By IANS,
New Delhi: Hosts India went down fighting 2-3 to England to bow out of the semifinal race as the European champions became the first team to reach the last four stage of the hockey World Cup here Saturday.
England scored through James Tindall in the 16th minute as he deflected in a cross from Nick Catlin. England, who have an all-win record in the tournament so far, made some fine moves but fumbled near the goalmouth.
India too muffed up chances after reaching the top of the circle on several occasions. Shivendra Singh, who came back after serving a two-match suspension, did a solo but lost control of the ball as English goalkeeper James Fair rushed forward.
In the second session, England scored Ashley Jackson and Nick Catlin to open up a 3-0 lead.
However, the Indians tried to bounce back and struck through Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Rajpal Singh, but it was not enough.
England now have 12 points from four games, while India have culled only three.