by Our Sports Desk

A demoralised England slumped to a third successive defeat yesterday at the women’s World Cup in Holland and the 4-1 loss to South Africa effectively ended any hopes of making the semi-finals.

They went into the tournament ranked as the world’s third-best side but have now lost to China (seventh), surprise package United States (10th) and South Africa (11th).

England are point-less at the bottom of Group B with title-holders Argentina and European champions Germany still to play.

The University of Birmingham’s Lily Owsley hit the post in only the third minute but individual mistakes led to South Africa’s two first-half goals with Zoe Shipperley and goalkeeper Maddie Hinch getting in a tangle to present Kathleen Taylor with a straightforward chance for the opener.

Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh then lost the ball on halfway and although Hollie Webb regained possession just outside her own circle, she was robbed by Sulette Damons as she tried to dribble out and the South African smashed home reverse stick.

A loss of discipline cost England after the break as separate sin-binnings for Richardson-Walsh and Sam Quek were punished by Shelley Russell and Dirkie Chamberlain.

Reading’s Alex Danson had a reverse-stick shot deflected wide before Nicola White smashed home only England’s second goal of the tournament to put the semi-finals, barring a freakish run of results for their opponents, beyond them as a second successive match ended with the players in tears.

“We are very angry and disappointed,” Richardson-Walsh said.

“We don’t make the sacrifice we do and train as hard as we do for performances like that and the last few days. I am devastated.”