India suffered a 2-4 defeat against England in their Hockey World Cup Pool D encounter on Monday, despite taking a 2-1 lead into half-time.

England opened the scoring in the first quarter when Nicholas Bandurak finished after a brilliant aerial ball from Stuart Rushmere. India responded strongly, with captain Harmanpreet Singh equalising in the 17th minute through a powerful penalty-corner drag-flick.

India continued to dominate and took the lead in the 25th minute. Abhishek created the opportunity from the right flank before Dilpreet Singh tapped the ball into the net, giving India a 2-1 advantage at the break.

However, England produced a decisive comeback in the second half. Stuart Rushmere equalised in the 39th minute before Henry Croft put England ahead with a superb finish in the 44th minute.

India struggled to regain control as England defended their lead effectively. Bandurak then scored his second goal in the 54th minute from a penalty corner to seal a 4-2 victory for England.

The defeat leaves India second in Pool D and makes their final pool match against Pakistan crucial for qualification to the next round. India will need to manage the pressure and secure a positive result in the high-profile clash.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh admitted that India made “silly mistakes off the ball” but said the team would learn from the defeat and focus on the Pakistan match.

India will face Pakistan on Wednesday in a match that could determine their path to the next stage of the World Cup.