Hockey: Middleton double relieves England

Two goals from captain Barry Middleton helped England get their European title defence off to a winning start with a 4-2 victory over Ireland in Monchengladbach. Middleton's first put England ahead for the first time in the match while his second late in the game relieved the pressure that had been building following John Jermyn's penalty corner goal ten minutes from time.

England had found themselves behind to Chris Cargo's 14th-minute opener before Surbiton's Matt Daly lashed home the equaliser. Ashley Jackson also scored his first goal since returning from injury.