AMSTELVEEN: England completely outplayed Wales 8-2 in the Pool D fixture of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium on Wednesday.
The Three Lions ended the first quarter with a 2-0 lead and added two more goals in the second quarter. Will Calnan struck twice in the first 21 minutes.
England continued to dominate Wales, and by the end of the third quarter, the score was 5-0.
The fourth quarter also belonged to England, as they scored three more before Wales managed two consolation goals, with the game ending 8-2.
England’s victory also boosted Pakistan’s chances, with the Green Shirts now needing to beat India to advance to the next round.
Pakistan are currently third in Pool D with one point and a goal difference of -3. They now need to win their match against arch-rivals India to progress to the next phase.
A defeat or draw would end Pakistan’s campaign, while India would advance into the second pool phase of the tournament.
Pakistan, who are playing for the first time in the World Cup since 2018, commenced their campaign in a losing manner against England, suffering a 4-1 defeat.
In the next encounter, Pakistan put on a spirited display against Wales but conceded late as Wales secured a 3-3 draw.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the second pool phase, making a total of eight teams, and will play in the newly structured crossover round, instead of the traditional quarter-finals.
In the next stage, the top two teams from Pools A and D will be placed in Pool E, while the top two teams from Pools B and C will form Pool F.
The bottom two teams from each of the four initial pools will be eliminated from the tournament.
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