Daly's winner was his first goal for England in the qualifying event

The victory guarantees a top-two finish in Pool A and a spot at September's World Cup in Monchengladbach.

Matt Daly scored England's crucial goal after just four minutes, firing home from a 45-degree angle.

Mewanwhile, Ireland kept alive their chances of reaching the World Cup with a 2-2 draw with Pakistan.

The point was enough to secure them fourth place in their group.

The Irish must now beat Japan on Friday and then defeat either France or Belgium to claim the 12th and remaining spot for the World Cup.

Stephen Butler scored both of Ireland's goals.

We are certainly one of the best sides here Pete Nicholson England manager

England's World Cup hopes had looked in trouble after they lost 3-2 to Pakistan on Monday.

But Wednesday's victory puts them top of the pool with four wins from five games, two points ahead of Belgium and Pakistan.

"We are delighted and can start to relax a little now," said England manager Pete Nicholson.

"This was a hard game, but our strength and conditioning really made the difference.

"Other teams who appeared at the Commonwealth Games have started to struggle recently, but we have definitely benefited from all the hard work we have put in.

"We are certainly one of the best sides here, and I am thrilled that we have secured our qualification for the World Cup in this first round of matches."

England will play New Zealand, runners-up in Pool B, in the last four of the qualifying event on Friday.

Korea and Pakistan contest the other semi-final, with the final on Sunday.

England, Korea, New Zealand and Pakistan join Argentina, Australia, Germany, India, Spain, South Africa and the Netherlands in qualifying for the World Cup.