Mantell withdraws from World Cup squad with broken ankle

ENGLAND'S World Cup title aspirations suffered a set-back as experienced defender Richard Mantell withdrew from the squad after breaking his ankle in Delhi.

INJURY SET-BACK: England's World Cup title aspirations are rocked by the withdrawal of Richard Mantell with a broken ankle (Getty Images)

The 38-year old picked up the injury in Thursday's 5-2 defeat of Pakistan, colliding with Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan while defending a penalty corner.

Mantell was initially treated on the pitch but after being taken to hospital, it was confirmed he had sustained a fracture and dislocation.

The Reading player is expected to return to Great Britain over the weekend where he will undergo surgery on Monday.

Mantell's injury is the third withdrawal from the England squad in Delhi, following his brother Simon Mantell and striker Matt Daly's injuries prior to the start of the tournament in India.

But with two games to play in the group stage, England sit top of Pool B with three wins from three, with the top two teams progressing to next week's semi finals.

Jason Lee's men face hosts India in their penultimate pool match on Saturday.