CHAMPIONS TROPHY: England narrowly downed by world champions Australia

ENGLAND'S late fightback ended in vain as world champions Australia continued their 100 per cent record at the ABN AMRO Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach, Germany.

GETTING STUCK IN: Ben Hawes tackles Australia’s Eddie Ockenden during England’s narrow defeat to the world champions (hockeyimages.co.uk)

Early goals from Simon Orchard and Matthew Swann put the Kookaburras well on their way to another crushing victory, having put nine past rivals New Zealand and six past the Netherlands.

But England, who inflicted Australia's only defeat of the World Cup earlier this year, hit back through the ever-reliable Ashley Jackson, who was once more on target from a penalty corner.

Luke Doerner delivered a hammer blow to England by restoring Australia's two-goal advantage just three minutes before the break and while Jason Lee's men piled on the pressure, they could find no way through in the early stages of the second half.

Reading forward Jonty Clarke gave England hope by cutting the deficit to one but Australia held firm in the closing stages to wrap up a 3-2 win as Jackson uncharacteristically missed a glorious opportunity to level at the death.

Defeat means that England win their remaining two games and hope a series of results go their way - starting with Spain defeating Germany later tonight.

England assistant coach Bobby Crutchley said: "We're pleased with how we played although obviously there's some disappointment in not getting something from the game. 

"We pushed them hard and caused them some trouble but they're the form team just now, the team to beat."