A win over European rivals Germany is not enough to lift England from basement

The pool match between England and Germany had the hallmark of a game in which both teams knew they were only playing for pride and didn't want to take chances that might see them concede a goal. The first half was a turgid affair with both teams defending hard and showing very little innovation or attacking ambition. There were only a handful of shots from either team and these were dealt with well by both goalkeepers, Germany's Barbara Vogel and England's Maddie Hinch. 

This changed in the second half however as England opened their account with a goal from Hannah Macleod (44') followed five minutes later with a cracker from Susie Gilbert (49') and then a third from Susannah Townsend. Germany fought back through a goal from Hannah Kruger (56') just a minute later. 

Speaking after the game, coach Jason Lee explained that the cagey start by England had been very much part of the England game plan. "The opening games of this tournament saw us try to play open, attacking hockey. The problem then was that we weren't scoring and that left us vulnerable, so we needed to make changes."

The changes clearly worked as all the England goals came from open play; in fact the winning side didn't win one penalty corner in the entire game. Macleod's goal came following some fast, attacking play by Nicola White down the left-hand side of the field. She fed Macleod, who turned and shot, catching Vogel wrong-footed. The second goal was cracked in by Susie Gilbert from the top of the circle, her ferocious shot flying into the far corner of the goal. Townsend's goal was a just reward for the midfielder's tenacity. She stole the ball from Anne Schroder in the circle and unerringly picked a gap between Vogel and the post.

Germany won four corners, with Kruger scoring from the third. Her shot slipped past Maddie Hinch; the only mistake from the goal-keeper, who had a great game between the posts for England.

 "I am pleased for the team, we needed the win for their confidence, but of course there are many things we need to improve upon. The first two games we tried to play openly, but we couldn't put our chances away; this time we closed it down, kept it tight and took our chances."

Germany's coach, Jamilon Mulders, said: "I am very disappointed for our team. We played badly and I take a lot of responsibility for that."

The result still means England are bottom of the pool, as South Africa have a better goal difference. They will play Belgium for 11th/12th place, while Germany will face either Korea or New Zealand depending on later results today.