England Exit Women's Hockey World Cup After Goalless India Draw

England's Women's Hockey World Cup campaign ended in the pool stage after a 0-0 draw with India in Amstelveen on Thursday. BBC Sport reported that England's hopes were over following the stalemate, while a Press Trust of India match report confirmed India progressed to the second round from Pool D.

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England entered the final group match needing a victory to remain in contention. India required only a draw and finished second in the pool with one win and two draws. China took first place after beating South Africa 5-1 earlier on Thursday, leaving India and China as the two teams to move forward.

The match remained scoreless despite repeated penalty-corner opportunities. The Press Trust of India report said England earned 11 penalty corners, with India's goalkeepers Savita Punia and Bichhu Devi central to keeping them out. India also had six penalty corners but could not convert any of them.

India thought it had scored from an early penalty corner, but the attempt was disallowed. England created its own first set-piece chance in the 10th minute, when Sophie Hamilton's drag-flick was stopped. India goalkeeper Savita then made several saves during a third quarter in which England applied sustained pressure.

England continued to push in the final quarter and removed its goalkeeper late in the match to add another outfield player. Bichhu made a decisive save with about 30 seconds remaining, diving to her left to preserve the draw. The result secured India's place in the next phase and brought England's tournament to an end.

England finished its three Pool D games with one victory, one defeat and one draw. The team had opened with a 4-0 win against South Africa before losing 4-2 to China, making the India fixture decisive. India and China will each carry one point into the second round under the tournament format.