England men beat Spain for second consecutive win

England men's hockey team claimed a second victory in as many days in the FIH Hockey Pro League, following up Friday's win on penalties over the Netherlands by beating hosts Spain 3-1 in Valencia.

There was less good news for England women, however, as they suffered consecutive defeats, losing 3-2 to hosts China - a day after going down 3-0 to the Dutch.

The men's team remain fourth in the table, but only on goal difference, after joining third-placed Belgium on 10 points.

Sam Hooper's early opener on Saturday was cancelled out by Spain's Marc Miralles before goals from Nicholas Bandurak and Sam Ward made it two wins from their opening six matches for England's men.

They had also looked set to take maximum points against the Netherlands when opening up a 2-0 lead after 10 minutes through goals from Zach Wallace and Samuel Hooper.

But Tijmen Reyenga reduced the deficit shortly before half-time and Miles Bukkens equalised with just three minutes remaining to force a shootout.

England held their nerve to win 3-1 on penalties, claiming two points for their second overtime success of the season.

The Dutch took one point for losing the shootout and remain top after six matches.

Meanwhile, England's women's defeat to China was their fourth defeat of the campaign.

Tessa Howard scored twice to put them in control before the home side roared back with three goals in four minutes from Ma Ning, Hao Guoting and Fan Yunxia.

The previous day, England's women were comprehensively beaten by the second-placed Dutch, with Yibbi Jansen scoring twice and Frederique Matla also on the scoresheet for the league's joint-highest scorers.

Despite the defeats, England remain fourth, one place and a point above China, who have played four fewer games.