England shine against India in stormy Birmingham

BEN Hawes scored in the first minute as England prepared for next month's hockey European Championships with a convincing 3-1 win over India in rain-swept Birmingham.

India equalised the early deflected strike in the seventh minute when Dhananjay Mahandhik netted but Jason Lee's side were always value for their win.

Barry Middleton restored the advantage from a prone position in the 18th minute and Richard Smith made the match safe in the dying minutes, scoring his first international goal.

"It was definitely nice to score," said Smith, who plays for Loughborough Students.

"I hadn't played in the practice match here the other day so getting to grips with the pitch was difficult at first. 

"Having missed the earlier opportunity from the corner I was pleased to get on the score sheet. 

"As the game wore on it fell more and more into our hands and I think that showed in the end."

England will continue preparations with further matches against India on Friday and Sunday.