Darren Cheesman and Dan Fox both scored but England were on the receiving end of a defeat in the first of three warm-up games for the approaching World League Semi-Final against Belgium.
Belgium scored four goals inside 36 minutes with John-John Dohmen netting twice and Felix Denayer and Jerome Dekeyser once each as England trailed 4-0.
Cheesman and Fox threatened a comeback for England with two quick goals after 40 minutes but a fifth for Belgium from Cedric Charlier moments ended any hopes of that.
And head coach Bobby Crutchley wants England to take their second-half performance from the first game into the remaining two fixtures against Belgium.
“We were far too slow out of the blocks, however after a poor start I thought we picked ourselves up well in the second half and enjoyed the majority of possession.
“I hope we can now carry this into our [remaining] games.”
© Sportsbeat 2013
Photo Ady Kerry / England Hockey