Second half fightback secures England first-ever bronze

DELIGHT: Helen Richardson celebrates following England's Champions Trophy win over Germany - which secured the bronze medal (Ady Kerry)

Danny Kerry’s team had never previously placed better than fifth at the elite six-team tournament, while Germany had made ten appearances on the podium in the event’s 23-year history.

And despite going behind to Maike Stockel’s ninth minute opener, England were certainly value for their victory and third place finish.

Germany were still seething after seeing a critical goal disallowed in their group match with the hosts but England’s goalkeeper Beth Storry, making her 50th appearance, stood resolute.

Gilbert volleyed home after German keeper Barbara Vogel could only knock a Cullen strike, following a penalty corner, straight in the air.

Alex Danson went close moments later and then the impressive Cullen scored from a penalty corner to give England an advantage they valiantly protected for the last 19 minutes.

After the disappointment of missing the final, as results went against them following a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, Kelly is now brimming with optimism ahead of next month’s World Cup in Argentina.

“It was an awesome response.  I thought there was only one team in it; although we lost a scrappy goal, it was only a matter of time before we scored,” said Kelly.

“To be that convincing was very rewarding for all of the time and energy the girls have put in.”

And captain Kate Walsh believes the future is even more encouraging.

“This is a fantastic performance and with other athletes coming into the squad we can only get better,” she said.

There was a shock in the final as Argentina, beaten by England in the tournament opener, beat Olympic and world champions the Netherlands 4-2 to win the title for the third straight year.

World player of the year Noel Barrionuevo scored the tournament’s first hat-trick while, elsewhere, New Zealand defeated China 4-3 in the fifth-place play-off.