Hockey World Cup 2018: England vs Australia - 3 Standout Players from the match

The spectators in the Kalinga Stadium played witness to another high-voltage clash at the 2018 Hockey World Cup. Defending champions Australia put up a fine spell of play in the final quarter to trounce England by a 3-0 margin and strengthen their hold on the top position of the Pool 'B' table.

The Kangaroos walked into the game with a lot of confidence as they started their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Ireland while England had to aim for a win after their 2-2 tie against China.

The opening quarter's slow pace was camouflaged by a string of chances for either team in the second as Australia missed two penalty corners while England's real chance to take the lead was shut out by a Phil Roper rocket that took a bite off the post.

With both custodians enjoying a top game in front of the goalmouth, the offensive units were forced to press harder that saw the Australians convert an opening early in the fourth quarter through a scorcher from Jake Whetton.

The opening goal seemed to knock the wind out of England's sails as Blake Govers charged across from the goalmouth, unmarked, to find the back of the net with a screamer that could not be stopped by George Pinner.

To add salt to the wounds, Matthew's Swann's terrific dribbling saw him drive the ball through the center as a deflection off Ian Sloan was collected and deposited in fine fashion by Corey Weyer as Australia completed a 3-0 trouncing of their opponents.

Here are the three standout players from the riveting encounter.

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#3 Blake Govers - Australia

Blake Govers made some decisive incisions

Australia's offense was mainly comprised of a number of timely contributions from the midfielders but one man who stood out in front was Blake Govers, who consistently found gaps in the England defense to find himself in the scoring area.

With confident runs into the scoring areas, Govers not only ensured that the England defenders were forced to play a high line of defense, but his vital passing from the left flank also created a host of chances for the Aussies to score.

As a result of his top outing, Govers also found his name on the score-sheet by virtue of a fantastic run to the center of the scoring area and with a quick turn, drilled the ball low into the right bottom corner to trigger wild celebrations in the Australian camp.

#2 Tyler Lovell - Australia

Tyler Lovell had a terrific outing

Tyler Lovell, the Australian custodian, had a field day against England as he pulled off some magnificent saves that denied England even a solitary goal from the game.

On a day which saw both keepers stay on top of their game, Lovell was the keeper who made the difference as he thwarted a penalty corner attempt from Mark Gleghorne in the dying minutes of the second quarter, which could have given England a much-needed lead in the game.

Yet, it was a story of two halves for the Aussies, who seemed like a better outfit in the second half. The defense got its act together but in the end, Lovell's confidence at the goal stood out.

While Lovell had a top outing, England's keeper George Pinner dived and jumped in vain as the final quarter produced three goals for the Kangaroos, which nullified Pinner's efforts in the first three quarters.

#1 Matthew Swann - Australia

Matthew Swann was the hero of the match for Australia

Matthew Swann was a force to reckon with all through the game as he piled the pressure on the Englishmen with some tremendous cuts through the defenders and also created plenty of chances for the strikers to convert.

Yet, it was his ability to run back and make crucial interceptions, thereby proving his worth as a vital all-rounder that earned him the 'Man of the Match' award for his scintillating efforts in the game.

Swann was in the thick of the action right from the first quarter as his diving interception on Liam Ansell's drive prevented England from striking first blood. As he carried on with his interceptions and crucial tackles, the pressure was piling on the Englishmen.

Yet, it was the fourth quarter that produced his best on the day as he wafted through the chain of defenders to send in a scorcher across the turf, that took a deflection from Ian Sloan and was drilled into the back of the net by Corey Weyer, to complete a 3-0 decimation of the opposition.

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