England have been eliminated from the Champions Trophy by New Zealand

England were knocked out of the 2014 Champions Trophy after a 3-1 defeat to New Zealand at the quarter final stage.

Goals from Elizabeth Rose Keddell, Anita Punt and Stacey Michelsen sealed the win for the Black Sticks to ensure they progressed to face Australia in the semi-finals.

Earlier, Laura Unsworth had levelled but New Zealand proved too strong in the second half despite England’s spirited performance.

The opening quarter began at a furious pace with no signs of nerves from either side. However, it was New Zealand who were soon showing the form that saw them top their pool as they tested Maddie Hinch in the England goal.

Hinch was more than up to the challenge, pulling off three impressive saves including one from the dangerous Punt.

The pressure eventually told as New Zealand took the lead through Keddell’s clever deflection past Hinch from a penalty corner.

Pressure

England fought back straight away and were level within a minute as Unsworth hammered home a shot from a penalty corner as the sides went into the first break evenly matched.

New Zealand dominated from the restart and were quick to pile the pressure onto the England back line, soon taking the lead again through captain Punt.

It nearly got worse for England soon after but Hinch was at her best to pounce and deflect a goal-bound effort over the bar before half-time.

England continued to battle hard throughout the third quarter but struggled to find their rhythm and seriously test the New Zealand goal as the Black Sticks entered the final 15 minutes still in the lead.

From the restart Hinch again came to England’s rescue as she was quick off her line to smother another shot on her goal.

With 10 minutes to go New Zealand edged further in front, Hinch making yet another save but she could do nothing as Michelsen reacted quickest to tap home from close range and effectively end the contest.

Disappointing

England failed to win a game in the Champions Trophy - losing to Australia and Argentina and drawing with Germany to finish bottom of their pool, giving them a low ranking for the knock-out stages.

New Zealand progress to the semi-finals and will face Australia.