London, June 26: In a thrilling encounter at the FIH Pro League 2025-26, the Indian men’s hockey team faced a setback against England, losing 4-1 in a shootout. The match, held at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, ended in a 2-2 draw after four quarters, but England triumphed in the shootout.
Dilpreet Singh shone for India, scoring two remarkable goals in the 10th and 58th minutes. For England, David Goodfield netted a goal in the 29th minute, followed by Nicholas Bandurak’s contribution in the 56th minute. In the shootout, Thomas Sorsby, James Albery, and captain Jack Waller converted their attempts, with Waller also scoring from a penalty stroke.
The first half was challenging, yet both teams managed to find the net. India started strong, earning a penalty corner early on. However, captain Harmanpreet Singh’s drag flick was saved by England’s goalkeeper, James Mazarelo. England responded with a penalty corner in the fifth minute, but Bandurak’s attempt was thwarted by the Indian defense.
The opening goal came in the 10th minute when Mandeep Singh dribbled along the baseline and delivered a perfect pass to Dilpreet Singh, who executed a diving finish to give India a 1-0 lead. India nearly extended their advantage in the second quarter, but Sorsby made a crucial save against Amandeep Lakra’s drag flick from a penalty corner.
England equalized in the 29th minute with a field goal from Goodfield. The ball deflected to an unmarked Goodfield in the circle, who volleyed it home to level the score.
The third quarter saw both teams’ defenses shine, resulting in no goals. Despite several penalty corners and field goal opportunities, neither team could capitalize. Early in the fourth quarter, Bandurak found an open space at the far post, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a spectacular save to keep India in the match.
As England maintained possession, the Indian players held their ground defensively. However, with just four minutes remaining, England took the lead with another goal. Bandurak scored from a drag flick during a penalty corner, placing the ball in the bottom right corner of the net. India responded quickly, equalizing in the 58th minute.
Sumit executed an impressive dribble towards the goal and passed to Dilpreet Singh, who struck a powerful shot that slipped past the goalkeeper’s legs into the net, sending the match to a shootout.
In the shootout, England secured a 4-1 victory, earning a bonus point. Sorsby and Albery converted the first two attempts, followed by captain Waller scoring from a penalty stroke and sealing the win with a fourth successful attempt. Harmanpreet Singh was the only scorer for India in the shootout.
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