England slump to another Champions Trophy defeat

ENGLAND'S women have slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Argentina at the Champions Trophy in Sydney.

DOWN AND OUT: England have just one point from three games at the Champions Trophy in Sydney

It was the third time in three games that Danny Kerry's England have let a lead slip, following a 2-2 draw with Holland and 3-1 defeat against Germany.

It also leaves them bottom of the six-team league table ahead of tomorrow's penultimate group stage match with hosts Australia.

"We tried to construct and play a passing game and pass down the pitch, but we’re not quite there in the final third yet," said Kerry. 

"Our priority remains the European Championships next month and we are a young squad gaining experience all the time, with five or six players back at home who can challenge for places.”

England - without regular goalkeeper Beth Storry - were always up against the form book against their unbeaten rivals.

However, they made a stunning start - Rebecca Herbert, making her 50th appearance, scoring in the sixth minute after deflecting a Chloe Rogers pass beyond Argentine keeper Belen Succi.

However, Argentina hit back and equalised after winning their first penalty corner in the 18th minute - Soledad Garcia sweeping home.

And they took the lead in the 30th minute, Carla Rebecchi scoring her fifth goal of the competition after stellar work from Luciana Aymar, a five-time world player of the year.

Argentina then put the game beyond doubt in the 52nd minute, Noel Barrionuevo converting a penalty corner.

England had a succession of late set-piece chances to get back into the game but Succi and her defence stood firm.

“Overall we’re very pleased with our performance but obviously not the result," said captain Kate Walsh.

"It was quite a good attacking performance, but we lacked the finesse required in the D and there were lapses of concentration at the back.”