FIH Pro League: England men finish runners-up as women avoid relegation

England men ended their FIH Pro League campaign as runners-up despite a penalty shootout loss to India in their final game.

After a goalless draw, only David Goodfield and captain Zachary Wallace converted their chances for England in the shootout which second-bottom India won 3-2 at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Center in London.

Jack Jones’ side are second on 35 points – four behind champions Belgium.

England beat India on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Thursday before a 7-0 win over exiled Pakistan on Saturday.

They will next face India, Pakistan and Wales in Pool D of the World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15-30.

By claiming the title with a game to spare, Belgium became the first team to qualify for the men’s hockey tournament at the 2028 Olympics, joining hosts the United States.

The men’s and women’s Pro League winners in both the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons will earn a spot at the Los Angeles Olympics.

In the women’s section, England defended their top-flight status with back-to-back wins over Spain in London, while Ireland were relegated after finishing bottom.

England won 3-2 against runners-up Argentina in their final game, before Anna Toman and Ellie Reyer converted penalty corners, before Holly Hunt scored the crucial goal that took them to 16 points – enough to finish seventh in the nine-team table.

They also beat the South American side on penalties on Thursday, before beating Spain 4-2 in their last match.

Meanwhile, two defeats each to Germany and China in the final meant Ireland finished with 10 points – four less than second-bottom Australia – while the Netherlands were crowned champions, with a 13-point lead over Argentina.