England overcame a stubborn Italy side 16-6 to go three from three in Pool A and sit at the top of the table with one game to come.

Despite the Italians scoring the first goal of the game, England always maintained a comfortable lead from the end of the first quarter onwards, and while Italy always remained a threat England’s firepower proved too much to contain.

Italy came into the fixture on a high after winning a crucial game against Netherlands the previous day, while England came in off a rest day following their two opening victories by an aggregate 46-2 scoreline.

And Italy did take a lead from an early free position, but four straight goals in the second half of the first quarter established England’s dominance that they would never relinquish.

Jordan Carr then scored twice in Q2, tallying four overall in the game as England’s leading scorer in the game.

Italy scored either side of the half-time break to close the game to three goals at 7-4, but again a five goal run put the game to bed for England.

Ella Cohen completed her hat-trick in the fourth quarter, with goals also for Lucy Devine, Julie Wise and finally Tilly Shires rounding off an impressive victory for England in the end.

England now play Netherlands on Monday (15 July) at 4pm in their final group game with a win securing 1st in Pool A and a quarter-final spot on Wednesday.

England 16-6 Italy (2-4; 1-3; 2-5; 1-4)

England Scorers: Jordan Carr (4G), Ella Cohen (3G, 1A), Tilly Shires (2G, 1A), Julie Wise (2G, 1A), Milly Home (1G, 2A), Georgie Southorn (1G, 2A), Lucy Devine (1G), Anna Neville (1G), Liv Wimpenny (1G), Minty Loxton-Barnard (1A)