India beat England in penalty shootout after goalless game couple of weeks before Hockey World Cup

A few days after the penalty shootout defeat, India beat England 3-2 in penalty shoot-out victory after a goalless draw to end their Hockey Pro League campaign on a high. On June 28 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra and Hardik Singh scored off the spot as India registered a bonus point victory over the hosts.

In the opening quarter, England dominated the possession. They attacked often. Sam Ward's shots were denied by Indian goalkeeper Yashdeep Singh and goalkeeper Mohith Shashikumar. India had a chance to take the lead but Abhishek couldn't score.

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England were on the attack in the second quarter as well but Indian defense didn't let them find an opening. For India, Jarmanpreet Singh had a shy at the goal but the goalkeeper denied him.

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After the halftime, Indian attacks were frequent on the counterattack. Mandeep Singh got an assist from Hardik but once again English goalkeeper kept them at bay. Late into the third quarter, India used the video referral well after England were awarded a penalty stroke. The review showed that Yashdeep's tackle on Henry Croft was clean.

England's attacks were relentless in the final quarter. Goalkeeper Sanjay Karkera did not let anything get past him. Jarmanpreet was quick to intercept a counterattack that looked dangerous. Towards the end, England threatened to break the deadlock but Karkera came to visitors' rescue again. With two seconds left on the clock, England earned a penalty corner. India review and the referee's call was reversed.

Who won the ‘Player of the match’?

In the shootout, Abhishek, Lakra and Hardik scored, helping India end with a bonus point to avenge the defeat suffered earlier in the week. Defender Sanjay was adjudged 'Player of the match' for not letting India concede in regulation time.

India finish second last 

With a win over England, India finished with 19 points. Out of 16 games, they managed to win four, including two over Pakistan. They had also beaten Germany earlier this month.

India’s World Cup 2026 fixtures

Just over a couple of weeks later, India will be in action in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. India have been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales. India will face Wales on August 15. Then, they go up against England on August 17. They face arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19.