Iain Lewers scored England’s crucial goal to send them through to the Rabobank Hockey World Cup semis.

Holcombe’s new defensive signing scored with a 66th-minute penalty stroke as England beat Belgium 3-2 on Monday evening.

That victory put England above the Belgians in Pool A and earned them a semi-final place against the winners of Pool B - likely to be hosts the Netherlands.

England had gone behind in the decider but strikes from Nick Catlin and Chatham-born Ashley Jackson - who was making his 100th appearance for his country - put them back in front.

Belgium, who started Monday’s match sitting second in the table, looked set for the semis themselves after drawing level at 2-2 with seven minutes left.

But three minutes later, Lewers roofed a penalty stroke to book England a place in the semi-finals.

Fellow Holcombe players George Pinner, Dan Fox and captain Barry Middleton also played in the win.

Middleton was pleased with the spirit shown from the side.

He said: “Everyone has to put everything on the line. Your body, your feet, your hands, whatever you can get there to stop the ball coming in. We showed everyone the talent this team has. If you want to win big games you have to battle and do the dirty stuff and that’s what we did.”