AMSTELVEEN, 16 August, 2026 (Ghufran): England defeated Pakistan 4-1 in their FIH Hockey World Cup Pool D clash at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Saturday.England dominated the match from the opening whistle, controlling possession and maintaining strong attacking pressure throughout all four quarters. Their efforts produced four goals, while Pakistan managed only one in reply.Pakistan’s defence came under repeated pressure as England won several penalty corners and created a number of dangerous opportunities. Pakistan also earned two penalty corners but failed to convert either chance. England opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Stuart Rushmere. Sam Ward then doubled England’s advantage in the second quarter, leaving Pakistan with a difficult task to fight their way back into the contest. Samuel Hooper extended England’s lead in the 31st minute to make it 3-0, while James Albery added a fourth goal in the 47th minute to further strengthen England’s control. Pakistan finally got on the scoresheet in the 50th minute through Rehman Abdul Afraz, briefly raising hopes of a late comeback. However, England’s defence held firm during the closing stages to secure a convincing 4-1 victory.The defeat marked a challenging return to the Hockey World Cup for Pakistan, who were making their first appearance in the tournament since 2018 after failing to qualify for the 2023 edition.Pakistan will now look to bounce back when they face Wales on August 17, before taking on arch-rivals India on August 19.