Liam Sanford insists England can overcome Olympic champions Argentina and reach the World Cup semi-finals after they saw off New Zealand 2-0.
Goals from Will Calnan and Luke Taylor secured Danny Kerry’s men a last-eight tie against Argentina, who topped Pool A.
Sanford said England had controlled the match against the Black Sticks but will ready for another tough fixture against the South Americans.
“It’s going to be a tough game but we have shown here and the last one we can overcome those tough games - it’s all to play for,” he said.
“We knew we had to control the game and we knew they [New Zealand] were going to play a wide formation. When we had the ball we had to keep it and have quality on the ball. The team really did that today.
“We have to take that into the next game and hope it goes well. We will enjoy the victory and recover as best as possible and we will debrief the game and there are obviously areas we can work, even from today’s game.
“Then we will do a scout of Argentina [but] stick to our processes and how we play.”
England started with attacking intent and were rewarded with an early penalty corner but Mark Gleghorne’s shot was palmed away.
They had the best of a cagey opening quarter with New Zealand pinned back in their own half for most of the period.
Danny Kerry’s side continued to probe in attacking areas and got their reward midway through the second quarter through Calnan.
The forward tapped in at the back post after Phil Roper had weaved along the by-line before squaring for his teammate to give England the lead.
It was almost doubled moments later as Liam Ansell had a chance but he shot just past the post.
Captain George Pinner was called into action in the England goal just before half-time as Black Sticks’ midfielder Nick Ross blasted a shot goalwards but the keeper saved with his legs.
New Zealand grew into the game in the third quarter with Stephen Jenness going close with his blasted effort from the edge of the circle.
There were two consecutive penalty corners for Kerry’s side after half-time but they were unable to take advantage.
But England made their fourth penalty corner of the match count, as the initial shot was deflected but it fell to Luke Taylor who rifled high into the net to double his sides’ lead.
New Zealand pulled their keeper with 10 minutes to go as they searched for the two goals needed to draw level but it proved in vein as England held out to secure their second win of the tournament. Sportsbeat 2018