England beat India by 3-2, qualify for Hockey World Cup semi-finals

European hockey champions England clinched a semi-final place in the men's World Cup by beating India 3-2 on Saturday, elsewhere, tournament favourites Australia defeated Spain 2-0 to close in on a semi-final spot.

European champions became the first team to reach the last four stage of the hockey World Cup.

Gurwinder Singh Chandi and skipper Rajpal Singh scored in the 54th and 58th minute respectively to cut down the lead to 2-3 for India after the European champions extended their lead over India to 3-0 within 11 minutes after halftime. England led the hosts 1-0 at halftime.

In-form Luke Doerner scored from a penalty corner to put world number two Australia 1-0 up in the 20th minute against Olympic silver medallists Spain.

Glenn Turner was also on target in the 60th as former champions Australia recorded their third victory in four matches in Pool B.

Australia, who won a record 10th Champions Trophy in December, thumped South Africa by a record 12-0 margin in their previous match.