 Mantell celebrates after scoring for the third match in a row |
Richard Mantell continued his superb form to help England beat Canada 5-3 and maintain their 100% record in the World Cup qualifying event in China. The penalty corner specialist netted two set-pieces after 21 minutes to take his tally to eight in three matches.
Canada scored twice after Richard Alexander was sin-binned but England bounced back with James Tindall scoring twice and Jonty Clarke once.
Ireland's semi-final chances are all but over after a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
Ireland are now six points behind Pool A leaders England, with only the top two going through to the semi-finals.
However, there are five qualifying places for the World Cup in Germany in September, so Ireland must now hope they can finish in the top four in their pool which would give them a chance in the play-off for the one remaining place.
England will probably have to beat either Pakistan on Monday or Belgium on Wednesday to qualify for the semi-finals and guarantee their passage to Germany.
MMIX
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