Captain Nasser Hussain has criticised his "clumsy" England side after they slumped to a 23-run NatWest Series defeat to Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.

England, who have already qualified for the tournament final, collapsed from 100 for two to 206 all out in 47.4 overs, chasing 230 for victory.

There were two run outs while Sri Lanka's spinners shared five wickets, and there were lapses in the field, which have been rare for the hosts in this series.

"We were clumsy ... their score was a good one, but we gave away soft dismissals when we batted," said Hussain.

"We had a word beforehand and said we needed to make the most of the first 15 overs ... we did that and we were strolling it at 100 for two.

"We had them where we wanted but whether it was us giving it to them or them working hard for it, things changed."

Even though the match mattered little, with England eyeing a final meeting against India at Lord's next Saturday, Hussain insisted the result was a blow.

"Every player in our dressing room should be gutted by that," he said.

"It was a match we should have, and could have, won.

"I believe everyone was up for it, but there is no question that every game we play is important, no matter what the circumstances.

England meet India in a dress rehearsal for the final at The Oval on Tuesday while Sri Lanka finish their tour with a day-night match against Sourav Ganguly's side in Bristol two days later.

Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore welcomed the win but criticised the schedule imposed on his team in the series.

Both touring teams have been forced to play games back-to-back during the series, while the hosts have time off between each of their seven matches.

And Sri Lanka came of worst of a four-wicket verdict to India at Edbaston just 24 hours previously.

"Playing back-to-back is hard. We tried to change the schedule before the tournament," Whatmore said.

"We got to Manchester from Birmingham at 2130BST on Saturday night.

"All over the world we are trying to change that sort of schedule but the players did themselves proud."