England Women completed their pool matches with a one hundred per cent record, beating Ireland 3-1, and will play The Netherlands in the semi-final.
It was a difficult match for England who were less than convincing in the first half and went behind to Ireland’s first goal of the tournament, scored by Niamh Small after Maddie Hinch had saved Emma Smyth’s initial effort.
“It took all of my mental resolve to give a calm half-time team talk,” admitted Danny Kerry, the England coach. Whatever he said worked. Crista Cullen started the comeback with a long ball into the circle which Hannah McLeod deflected into goal. A quality run along the byline by Helen Richardson set up England’s second. The ball was pulled back to Alex Danson whose shot was saved by Pamela Smithwick only for Richardson to sweep in on the rebound. Midway through the half came England’s third goal when Kate Walsh’s penalty corner shot was tucked in by Anne Panter, the injector.
Kerry paid tribute to Richardson: “She helped change the game and made the difference.”
England Men play France tomorrow (Wednesday 24th) at 1300 (CET+1).
