Germany won't have it easy against an inspired England

New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) England will draw inspiration from their historic triumph over Germany at the European Championship final last year when they clash with the defending champions in the Hockey World Cup semi-final here
Thursday.

England shocked Germany 5-3 in the European Cup final that moulded them into a fighting bunch which is on show at this World Cup.

Germany, however, boast of an envious record against England. They have beaten England three times in the World Cup, including a 2-1 triumph in the 2006 edition. England's only victory came in the 1986 semi-final when they went on to post their best World Cup performance by finishing second.

On the other hand, Germany pipped England 3-2 in their last competitive encounter at the 2009 Champions Trophy.

Their inferior head-to-head record against Germany in the World Cup notwithstanding, England would be hoping to carry forward their good form that has made them one of the favourites.

The journey of the two teams to the semi-finals, however, has been a study in contrast.

England began their campaign with a bang, shocking favourites Australia and became the first team to reach the pre-title round with four wins on the trot. The loss in their last Pool B match against Spain, though, has been an aberration and England would hope to begin afresh.

With a young and inexperienced side, Germany's captain Maximilian Muller has maintained that they are not targeting a hat-trick of titles and would be happy with a semi-final finish.

Though Germany remain the only undefeated side in the tournament, they were far from being consistent against Korea and the Netherlands, who held them for a draw.

England, on the other hand, have been consistent.

Despite losing their penalty corner expert Richard Mantell to an injury,England have been able to make the short corners count with Ashley Jackson being on a song.

Jackson has scored in every game in the tournament and has been the key player in the midfield.

The English defence has been resolute and their forward line well-organised.

The star in the England armour is their goalkeeper James Fair, who has been outstanding in the tournament.

England team's head coach Jason Lee said they will have to play better against Germany.

"We have a very inexperienced forward line and we're making small errors which put pressure on the defence," Lee said.

"The semi-final will be a different game. We have trained hard for the World Cup in the last one year. The team has peaked at the right time."