Semi-final epic ends in England overtime defeat

England Men’s Euros title defence is over after an epic semi-final ended in a 10-9 over-time defeat against Finland at the 2026 European Box Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czechia.

After Finland overcame England by a single over-time goal in the Group Stage, this semi-final match-up between the two sides was always going to be a little cagey with nothing between the teams.

And so it proved as the first quarter came and went with just four goals scored: two for England from Tom Roper and Michael Blaymires, two for Finland.

An equally close second quarter saw England score and concede another two, Jack Bucknell with England’s third before Michael Blaymires equalising three seconds before half-time.

Buoyed by their equaliser, England pushed in the third quarter and got their just rewards with Blaymires’ hat-trick goal and strikes from Will Prescott and Zack Gignac either side of a Finland goal seeing the men in red go into the final period 7-5 up.

Finland punished a slow start to the fourth quarter by England, going on a three-goal scoring run, before Ollie Allsop and Bucknell forced the game back in England’s favour.

With England tasting victory, Finland levelled things up with just seven seconds left in the game sending the match into over-time.

Despite winning the first possession, England squandered two shots before Finland carried the ball to goal and fired home to take the victory 10-9.

The result means England will have to pick themselves up and go again in tomorrow’s third place game against Germany.

Watch every minute of every England game live on YouTube HERE.

England Men Scorers | Jack Bucknell (2G, 2A), Zack Gignac (1G, 3A), Michael Blaymires (3G), Ollie Allsop (1G, 1A), Tom Roper (1G, 1A), Will Prescott (1G).

Next Up

03/07 | England v Germany | SF | 12:30 (UK) | Women
03/07 | England v Germany | 3rd Place | 18:30 (UK) | Men