DAY 1

A dominant 5-0 win for England’s men over Argentina in London

England produced a polished and disciplined display to claim a comprehensive 5-0 victory against Argentina.

Both sides created chances in an absorbing first-half contest, with England carving out well-structured circle entries while Argentina looked dangerous on the counter from their expansive build-up play. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute, as Henry Croft showed superb technique to deflect the ball home from open play, giving England a 1-0 advantage they would carry into the break.

The second half began with a let-off for England, as goalkeeper James Albery did brilliantly to keep out Tomas Domene’s drag flick, the effort cannoning back off the post. From there, England began to take control of proceedings, and their persistence paid off in the 41st minute when Sam Ward showed his trademark predatory instincts, latching onto a loose ball and tomahawking it past the Argentina goalkeeper.

Argentina pushed hard in response, putting James Mazarello under sustained pressure during the final quarter, but England held firm and extended their lead further. Nick Bandurak found the target with a well-struck drag flick in the 47th minute to make it 3-0, before Croft was on hand once again four minutes later, reacting quickest to a loose ball to fire home his second of the match.

Conor Williamson was named the player of the match

A closely fought 2-1 loss for England’s women vs Germany

Germany edged out the hosts 2-1 in a tightly fought contest, with the closing stages providing some late drama for the home crowd.

England goalkeeper Sabbie Heesh produced an outstanding stick save that kept the scoreline level at the end of the opening quarter. The visitors made the breakthrough in the 26th minute.

Germany extended their advantage in the 34th minute through Johanna Hachenberg, who placed a precise finish into the top corner. From there, England pushed numbers forward in search of a way back into the contest. Heesh continued to produce key saves to keep the gap at two, before being replaced by an additional outfield player as England went searching for goals in the closing minutes.

England took advantage of Germany sending a chance wide of an unguarded net, and in the 59th minute Tessa Howard turned home a penalty corner rebound to set up a tense finish. However, Germany weathered the late pressure to see out the win.

DAY 2

England’s men fight back to edge seven-goal thriller against Australia

England Men’s team underlined their improving form in front of goal with a 4-3 victory over Australia.

Following Saturday’s emphatic 5-0 win over Argentina and proved to be a far tighter affair from the outset. Chances were at a premium in an even opening quarter, the deadlock was broken in the 13th minute by Nathan Ephraums, marking his 100th cap for Australia. The second quarter passed without further goals, leaving Australia 1-0 up at the interval.

England responded after the break, levelling in the 40th minute when Will Calnan was on hand to bundle home a rebound on the goal line following good build-up play into the circle. Two minutes later the team went ahead, with a good from David Goodfield. Australia pushed hard as the third quarter drew to a close, but James Mazarello stood firm in the England goal to keep his side in front.

Tom Sorsby extended the lead in the 48th minute with a moment of real quality, curling a reverse-stick flick into the roof of the net from a tight angle for 3-1. Sam Hooper then made it 4-1 with a drag flick in the 55th minute. Australia, however, responded in dramatic fashion, scoring twice in quick succession to make it 4-3. England held firm to see out a deserved win, having dominated the penalty corner count 8-3 over the course of the match.

The victory moves England up to third in the table on 21 points with six matches remaining, level with second-placed Australia, who have a game in hand.

Tom Sorsby extended the lead in the 48th minute with a moment of real quality, curling a reverse-stick flick into the roof of the net from a tight angle for 3-1. Sam Hooper then made it 4-1 with a drag flick in the 55th minute. Australia, however, responded in dramatic fashion, scoring twice in quick succession to ma 4-3. England held firm to see out a deserved win, having dominated the penalty corner count 8-3 over the course of the match.

The victory moves England up to third in the table on 21 points with six matches remaining, level with second-placed Australia, who have a game in hand.

England’s Tom Sorsby was named player of the match

England Women’s team 0 – 3 Germany

The match was closely contested for long spells, but it was Germany who struck first in the 13th minute, Germany held that 1-0 advantage into the break.

England began to build pressure as the third quarter wore on however conceded in the 45th minute when Germany made it 2-0, and the visiting side score their third three minutes later.