England chalked up two crushing victories in Poznan

ENGLAND have started their EuroHockey Indoor Nations Trophy campaign with two impressive victories - notching up 13 goals in the process - to go top of their group in Poznan, Poland.

FINE FORM: Richard Alexander (r) was in fine goal-scoring form as England romped to two victories in Poznan (Getty Images)

They are guaranteed a top two finish in Pool A ahead of their final group game with Switzerland tomorrow after securing wins against Portugal and Belarus.

England, currently ranked sixth in the world, defeated Portugal 4-1 with a double from Richard Alexander and goals from Simon Egerton and Richard Smith, after going behind after only three minutes.

And with victories counting towards promotion into the Championship division and qualification for the 2011 Indoor World Cup, head coach Andy Halliday was happy with how his team performed in their opening game.

"In the end this was a very professional performance and a good result against a stubborn opposition who were happy to defend," said Halliday.

"To give credit to Portugal they showed some tight indoor skills and they forced us to move the ball around them."

Doubles from Reading's Jonty Clarke, Bowdon's Simon Egerton and Beeston's Adam Dixon, along with goals from Ashley Jackson, Richard Springham and Richard Smith, saw off Belarus in an impressive 9-1 victory.

After netting four times in the opening ten minutes, England were always in control.  They were 5-0 up at half time, with a consolation goal from Belarus in the last minute all the Eastern Europeans could muster.

"The first game today helped us to learn how to play against this sort of defensive opposition and we stuck well to our game plan against Belarus," added Halliday, following the thrashing of Belarus. 

"We're seeing it a lot already in the tournament, where teams are defending deep and the games aren't as free flowing as we would expect.

"I'd say this was an improved performance on the Portugal match and I'm very happy. 

"To score goals in the manner we did, with some excellent passing and clinical set pieces is pleasing."