ENGLAND'S hopes of adding the World Cup to their European crown were dashed by a 4-1 semi-final defeat by holders and Olympic champions Germany in New Delhi.

Their first world-level last-four appearance since losing the 1986 World Cup final to Australia in Willesden began badly and the side never recovered.

England, whose side included Alastair Wilson and Adam Dixon from Beeston HC, were 2-0 down inside 11 minutes after goals from Jan-Marco Montag and Oliver Korn.

And despite Loughborough Students' Richard Smith pulling one back midway through the half, there was to be no repeat of August's European Championships final when they came from behind to beat the Germans.

Former East Grinstead player Martin Haner put Germany, seeking a third successive World Cup triumph, further ahead just before half-time and Linus Butt's penalty corner ten minutes from the end sealed victory.

England will now face Holland in Saturday's bronze medal play-off after the Dutch lost 2-1 to Australia, runners-up in England's group. But they have already secured their best World Cup finish on foreign soil.

"Obviously we're very disappointed," said captain Barry Middleton.

"We found it difficult to break down a resolute German defence and the difference was the way they played in both circles."

Coach Jason Lee also praised Germany's backline, which has conceded just ten goals in six matches.

"Their deep defence was outstanding. I was proud of some of the things we did but you can't afford to give a team like Germany a two-goal start," he said.

"Ultimately we paid the price for a sloppy first ten minutes.

"We missed the three guys we've lost to injury (brothers Richard and Simon Mantell and Matt Daly) but I'm still very proud of the squad."