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England men miss title, women escape Pro League drop

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England's men finish their FIH Pro League campaign in second place despite a penalty shootout defeat by India in their final fixture.

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This story was published by BBC Sport on June 28, 2026 and curated on Africa Front.

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Trade & AfCFTA, Infrastructure, African Technology

June 28, 2026

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England men miss title, women escape Pro League drop

Published28 June 2026

England's men finished their FIH Pro League campaign as runners-up despite a penalty shootout defeat by India in their final fixture.

After a goalless draw, only David Goodfield and captain Zachary Wallace converted their chances for England in the shootout which second-bottom India won 3-2 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London.

Zak Jones' side finished second in the standings with 35 points - four points behind champions Belgium.

England had beaten India on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Thursday, before a commanding 7-0 victory against relegated Pakistan on Saturday.

They next face India, Pakistan and Wales in Pool D of the World Cup to be held from 15-30 August in the Netherlands and Belgium.

In claiming the title with a game to spare, Belgium became the first side to qualify for the men's hockey tournament at the 2028 Olympics, joining hosts United States.

The men's and women's Pro League winners in both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons will earn spots in the Los Angeles Olympics.

In the women's division, England preserved their top-flight status with back-to-back wins against Spain in London, while Ireland were relegated after finishing bottom.

England posted a 3-2 comeback win against runners-up Argentina in their final game, with Anna Toman and Ellie Rayer converting penalty corners, before Holly Hunt struck the crucial goal which took their tally to 16 points - enough to finish seventh in the nine-team table.

They had also beaten the South American side on penalties on Thursday, before overcoming Spain 4-2 in their penultimate fixture.

Meanwhile, two defeats each to Germany and China in the final fixtures meant Ireland finished with 10 points - four fewer than second-bottom Australia - while the Netherlands emerged champions, with a 13-point lead over Argentina.