Tom Wenham says England are now over the disappointment of Monday and his side are now ready to relish the challenge of maintaining their world ranking.

After Monday’s agonising 7-6 loss to Australia, England were no longer able to reach a medal game and now must look to reset their sights as they aim to maintain their blue division status.

“Obviously we were very disappointed. It was a game there to be won and we could and perhaps should have won it, but ultimately the performance didn’t merit that, and Australia are an extremely resilient side”.

However, now Pool Play is over, and the placing games begin to start, Wenham believes his team is looking forward to the challenge.

“Our goal now is really simple; to finish fifth and maintain our world ranking at what is undoubtedly the most competitive world championships there’s ever been and doing that will be one hell of a challenge.

“This isn’t where we wanted to be but it’s where we are, and our ethos is to perform to the best of our ability in each and every game.”

However, Wenham also takes note that in addition to the usual sides, such as Scotland and Japan, there are some new names with the likes of Israel and Puerto Rico that will be looking to take a big scalp.

“There are a number of incredibly strong teams here who will be gunning for our place, and also even looking towards medal games, so there’s so much more lacrosse to be played to reach that stage yet.

“But this is why we do it, we love the challenge and rising to it in each game against the best teams in the world and we are looking forward for what’s to come”.

England play Ireland in their first placing game today at 4.45pm UK Time.