India’s promising start to the Hockey World Cup 2026 took a turn as England came from behind to secure a 4-2 victory in their Pool D clash at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The Indian men’s hockey team appeared to be in control after overturning an early deficit and taking a 2-1 lead before half-time. However, England produced a dominant second-half response. Nicholas Bandurak scored twice, while Stuart Rushmere and Henry Croft completed England’s comeback.
Hockey World Cup 2026: How India vs England panned out?
The England men’s hockey team struck first late in the opening quarter when Bandurak finished a flowing move to put India under pressure. The response from Harmanpreet Singh was immediate in the second period. The Indian captain made England pay from a penalty corner, unleashing a powerful drag-flick to level the contest.
India then turned the tables with an excellent team goal. Hardik Singh initiated the move, Abhishek delivered the ball across the face of goal, and Dilpreet Singh capped off with a neat finish, putting India 2-1 ahead.
The second half, however, belonged to England. Rushmere restored parity in the third quarter with a sharp deflection before Croft produced a powerful finish to put England back in front.
India struggled to regain the control they had enjoyed earlier, while England started dominating the proceedings. Bandurak eventually put the result beyond doubt in the fourth quarter, converting another penalty-corner opportunity with a powerful strike to make it 4-2.
It marked India’s first defeat of the Hockey World Cup 2026 after opening their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales.
What’s Next For India Hockey Team?
India now face a crucial Pool D encounter against Pakistan on Wednesday, August 19. The match is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
The fixture carries major significance from India’s perspective. Pool D contains England, India, Pakistan and Wales. If they aim to advance to the next round, there will be no margin for error in the upcoming Hockey World Cup match. The India-Pakistan contest could ultimately prove decisive in determining India’s route.
