England Thrash India 4-2 in FIH Hockey World Cup Clash

England produced a strong second-half performance to beat India 4-2 in their second Pool D match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026. India had taken a 2-1 lead into half-time but could not maintain their momentum after the break.

England started the match on the front foot and opened the scoring through Nicholas Bandurak. India, however, responded well and quickly turned the game around. Captain Harmanpreet Singh brought his side level before Dilpreet Singh scored again to give India a 2-1 advantage.

The Indian team looked in control for much of the second quarter and went into the half-time break with the lead. Their strong response after conceding the opening goal gave them hope of securing another important result in the tournament.

However, England had other plans after the interval. They came out with greater intensity and put India under sustained pressure. Stuart Rushmere found the net in the third quarter to bring England level, before Henry Croft scored soon after to put his team ahead.

India struggled to respond as England continued to create chances. Bandurak then scored his second goal of the match in the final quarter to extend England’s advantage to 4-2 and put the result beyond India’s reach.

The defeat is a setback for India, who had started their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Wales. England, meanwhile, have now made an impressive start to their Pool D campaign after also defeating Pakistan in their opening match.

The 4-2 result underlined England’s ability to recover from a difficult first half and take control after the break. India showed good attacking intent early in the contest, but their inability to deal with England’s pressure in the second half ultimately cost them the match.

England’s victory also means India’s long wait for a Hockey World Cup win over their bitter rivals continues. India have not beaten England at the World Cup since 1994, and Monday’s result extended that wait to 32 years.