England were beaten 7-6 by New Zealand on a shoot-out in the semi-final of the FIH Hero Hockey World League, in India, on Friday afternoon.

East Anglian Daily Times: NEW DELHI - Hock World League Final Men ENG v NZL (SF1) 2-2 Shoot out win by New Zeland, Final for New Zealand foto: Phil Burrows scored the final goal against George Pinner. FFU PRESS AGENCY COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEKNEW DELHI - Hock World League Final Men ENG v NZL (SF1) 2-2 Shoot out win by New Zeland, Final for New Zealand foto: Phil Burrows scored the final goal against George Pinner. FFU PRESS AGENCY COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK (Image: Frank Uijlenbroek)

After a pulsating 3-3 draw in normal time, which included a goal from former Ipswich School pupil Harry Martin and saw England rescue the tie with a goal five minutes from time, the Black Sticks held their nerve in sudden death.

Fellow former Ipswich School pupil George Pinner saved from Steve Edwards and forced shoot-out shots from Hugo Inglis and Blair Hilton wide, but England failed to take advantage with Martin (twice), Nick Catlin and Barry Middleton missing their chances.

England will face Australia in tomorrow’s third/fourth play-off, after the Netherlands booked their place in the final with a 4-3 win over the world champions.