Aussie set-pieces shatter England

England's Susie Gilbert tries to win possession from Sarah O'Connor

England failed to cope with Australia's set-piece routines as they suffered a 4-0 defeat at the women's Champions Trophy tournament in Sydney.

The Hockeyroos went ahead through Susie Gilbert's 13th minute penalty corner and Casey Eastham forced home a rebound to double the lead.

Gilbert netted her second after England's Kate Walsh had to go off for treatment for a cut above her left eye.

And as rain poured down, Hope Munro added a fourth to cap a decisive win.

England, ranked eighth in the world, began the tournament with an encouraging 2-2 draw against Olympic gold medallists the Netherlands but then suffered 3-1 defeats by Germany and Argentina.

They were looking to bounce back against a young Australia squad but although Gilbert was only just off target in the first half, they were unable to create sufficient chances to put the hosts on the back foot.

606: DEBATE

What are your thoughts on England's performances in the Champions Trophy?

"We haven't played that well here. Our core skills are nowehere near where they need to be, and Australia rolled us over," coach Danny Kerry admitted.

Walsh, who returned in the second half despite needing three stitches, said the players were "really, really gutted" by the result.

"We need to go home and work hard - today was a bit of a kick up the backside," she added.

England have two games remaining - a final pool match against China on Saturday and then the fifth-sixth place play-off against the same opponents the following day.

Regardless of England's final placing in this tournament, participation in the 2010 tournament has already been guaranteed.