England Women will contest the Bronze Medal play-off after going down 9-11 to Canada in the Women’s World Championship semi-final.
A hat-trick from Georgie Southorn led the English scoring supported by a strong defensive effort in a whistle-heavy game that was nip-and-tuck for long periods.
After finding themselves four goals down with 8:51 to go England rallied, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Canada’s lead, who will advance to the Gold Medal match against USA.
England started the brighter in front of a raucous travelling support and had a number of free position shots but struggled to convert.
Down the other end, Canada had to produce their best to beat Britt Read in goal, an Aurora Cordingley BTB the stand-out as Canada led 3-1 at the ¼ time, Megan Whittle making a free position to get England going.
Both teams were given no inch in defence and it resulted in multiple free position attempts for both teams throughout the game.
Successful 11-metre shots from Olivia Hompe and Ruby Smith got England level, before a solo Erica Evans break and a Madalyn Baxter FP again gave Canada a two-goal lead at the half, 3-5.
England tried to close things up a number of times but each time the deficit was cut, Canada responded with goals of their own.
The teams traded goals, Canada with three FP shots and England with two efforts from Southorn as Canada stretched the lead to three going into the final 15 minutes.
England outshot Canada 20-18, with eight shots in a frantic final quarter in which they pushed the game hard and nearly got the rewards.
Laura Merrifield scored a beauty to kick off the 4th driving to goal line extended, before switch-stepping back inside, changing hands and planting it home to make it 6-8.
But another two from Canada in return looked to have put things out of England’s reach.
However, a final surge in the last five minutes cranked up the atmosphere and once Southorn had completed a brilliant hat-trick and Whittle sunk another free position, England were back within two and in the ascendancy.
The team then missed a couple of chances to go within one and Cordingley gave Canada breathing space once more.
Hompe rounded off the scoring with a smart quick-stick finish but it was too late to effect anything and it was Canadian jubilation on the final whistle.
England will now play Australia at 9.30am EST/2.30pm UK on Saturday 9 July for the Bronze Medal in a repeat of that famous overtime match from 2017.
England Points: Georgie Southorn (3G 1A), Megan Whittle (2G 1A), Olivia Hompe (2G), Laura Merrifield (1G), Ruby Smith (1G)