• Hockey World Cup

England women knocked out of World Cup

ESPN staff
June 6, 2014
England's Hollie Webb (centre) walked off the pitch in tears after defeat to South Africa © PA Photos
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England women have been sent packing from the Hockey World Cup following a 4-1 defeat to South Africa.

Jason Lee's side were 4-0 down thanks to goals from Kathleen Turner, Sulette Damons, Shelley Russell and Dirkie Chamberlain, before Nicola White scored a consolation with 15 minutes to go.

England sit bottom of Group B after their opening three games and, following Argentina's 3-0 win over Germany later in the day, are now unable to qualify for the semi-finals.

The No.3 ranked side in the world, England lost 2-1 to the United States in their opening match before going down 3-0 to China.

With matches against holders Argentina and European champions Germany still to come, captain Kate Richardson-Walsh says England are playing for pride.

"It's a matter of pride now. We have to prove that we are worthy of wearing the shirt," Richardson-Walsh said.

"We're just not clicking at the moment. We don't make the sacrifice we do, and train as hard as we do, for performances like that."

England coach Lee added: "It's as bad as it gets. We're going to finish the tournament a long way from our potential and our ranking.

"This is rock bottom. As a player and coach this is my fifth World Cup and this is the worst of those worst experiences that's for sure."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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