HOCKEY/Under-21: Ireland lost 6-4 to England in their second match of the under- 21 Men's European Championships in Nivelles, Belgium, yesterday. Trailing 2-1 at half-time, Ireland managed three goals in the second half but failed to match the technical ability of England, who hit four more to win the game and contend for top place in the four-team pool.

The score means that Ireland are likely to come third in pool A as they face the fancied Holland tomorrow in their last group game.

It's unlikely Ireland will beat the Dutch, who drew 1-1 with England in their opening match of the tournament, meaning that the first cross-over match, probably against Poland, will be vital if they are to finish in the top six and qualify for a place in next year's World Cup in Holland.

Three goals from England's Simon Mantell in the last 17 minutes sealed Ireland's fate. At that stage the Irish led 4-3. Eugene Magee hit the first from play before, a penalty corner from Tim Cockram and a stroke converted by captain Ronan Gormley gave Ireland a 3-2 lead. While England equalised through Mat Daly, Phelie Maguire again put Ireland in front before Mantell's late hat-trick. It was a disappointing end after the side had matched England and forced them to chase for most of the match, but Ireland will meet Holland now with a can-do attitude.

After Sunday's battling performance against Spain in the women's tournament in Belfield, Ireland today face a Scottish side that has shown itself better-prepared than pre-tournament expectations. Although Scotland lost 2-1 in their first match, with Holland, it took a fine save late in the match from the Dutch goalkeeper to keep them from equalising.

Today's game is clearly a pivotal match for the Irish, who hope to finish in the top six and claim a place in next year's under-21 World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

A win would not only put Ireland in the healthy position of having four points (one draw and one win) from two matches but also exert pressure on both Spain and Scotland. If Ireland can come third in the group and win their cross-over matches, or better, win second place behind the Dutch and gain automatic qualification, it would constitute a highly successful tournament.