• The London Cup

England slip to 'embarrassing' opening defeat

ESPN staff
July 12, 2011
England let a two-goal lead slip © PA Photos
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England conceded three goals in 12 minutes as they were beaten 4-2 by Belgium at the London Cup.

Goals from Richard Alexander and Barry Middleton had given the hosts a 2-0 lead, but John-John Dohmen pulled one back shortly before half-time.

Two goals from Alexandre de Saedeleer and one from Jerome Dekeyser saw Belgium complete an impressive turnaround.

The result needs England needing victory against Korea on Wednesday to remain in contention for a place in Saturday's final.

"I thought we played poorly in the first half and should have been 5-0 up but we became nervous and lacked focus," coach Jason Lee said.

"Our goalkeeper only had to make three saves and he didn't achieve them. We didn't score any of our corners. It was embarrassing being beaten in front of a home crowd."

In the opening game at Chiswick, goals from Simon Child and Nick Wilson saw New Zealand beat Korea 2-0.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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