London, 26 June (H.S.): The Indian men's hockey team suffered a 4-1 defeat to hosts England in a shootout after a hard-fought 2-2 draw in regulation time during their FIH Pro League 2026 European leg match on Thursday. With the shootout victory, England secured the bonus point.

Dilpreet Singh starred for India, scoring twice in the 10th and 58th minutes. For England, David Goodfield found the net in the 29th minute, while Nicholas Bandurak equalised in the 56th minute.

India made an aggressive start to the contest. In the 10th minute, Mandeep Singh delivered an excellent pass that Dilpreet Singh converted with a diving finish to give India a 1-0 lead.

In the second quarter, India came close to doubling their advantage, but England defender Thomas Sorsby produced a brilliant goal-line clearance. England then restored parity in the 29th minute when David Goodfield scored a field goal to make it 1-1.

Both teams created several opportunities in the third quarter, but resolute defending at both ends ensured there were no further goals.

England stepped up the pressure in the fourth and final quarter and took a 2-1 lead in the 56th minute when Nicholas Bandurak converted a penalty corner. India, however, responded quickly. Just two minutes later, following an excellent move by Sumit, Dilpreet Singh fired home a powerful shot to level the match at 2-2.

England dominated the shootout as Thomas Sorsby, James Albery and captain Zachary Wallace successfully converted their attempts. England were also awarded a penalty stroke during the shootout, which Wallace calmly converted. For India, only captain Harmanpreet Singh managed to score.

With the defeat, India earned one point from the match, while England claimed the bonus point by winning the shootout.

India will next face Pakistan on June 26 at 10:30 p.m. IST.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar