England men staged a late comeback before earning a 3-2 shootout victory against Ireland in the Pro League in Argentina on Thursday.
Ireland took a two-goal lead into the final quarter thanks to early strikes by Adam Walker and Jonathan Lynch, before England’s James Albery converted a penalty corner on the rebound to make it 2-1.
Lee Cole restored Ireland’s two-goal cushion, yet England switched their goalkeeper for an extra field player with seven minutes left and drew level through Jack Waller and Zach Wallace.
The 3-3 draw in Santiago del Estero meant a shootout was required, and Wallace scored the winning penalty after Alistair Empey’s attempt for Ireland was blocked.
Albery, who was named the player of the match, said the game was “really tough”, adding: “We definitely didn’t start how we wanted to.”
On Wednesday, a Stuart Rushmere goal and a double by Sam Ward handed England an opening 3-1 victory against home side Argentina.
England are third in the standings after two games, one point behind second-placed Netherlands and three points off leaders Belgium, who have each played four matches.
Thursday’s contest was Ireland’s first game in their second Pro League season and they earned a point despite their shootout defeat.