The women's team were the first to achieve the feat as they beat Spain 2 -1 which means that they have picked up their fourth consecutive European hockey bronze medal.

Silvia Munoz gave Spain the lead but two second-half goals from Reading midfielder Helen Richardson (pictured) meant that England claimed third place. 

Richardson grabbed her second of the game with an impressive reverse-stick strike three minutes from time to earn England the bronze medal with the Netherlands (pictured) beating Germany 3-0 in the women's final to claim gold and relegate the hosts to the silver medal position.


"We're happy to be on the podium again and win a medal," said England captain Kate Walsh.

"We came here to push our momentum push to get into the final.

"It didn't happen but now we go forward as Great Britain, getting stronger."

Head coach Danny Kerry added: "It's very difficult to break down a team that is not interested in playing hockey.

"We were patient though, we stuck to our game plan and we came through it.

"In the grand scheme of things we might be disappointed with bronze because we came here looking to win gold but we should remember that in competitive tournaments we have only lost twice so far this year."

Later England's men, who were expected to reach the final after winning the title last time out, matched the women's achievement with a 2-1 victory over Belgium.

England's Richard Mantell and Belgium's Alexandre de Paeuw traded goals in normal time before James Tindall scored a golden-goal winner to give England a podium spot and some much-need momentum ahead of London 2012.

"Overall I'm pleased with what we've put together in this tournament," said head coach Jason Lee.

"We played particularly well in some games, although funnily enough today was probably our worst performance.

"But we hung in well after taking the game for long periods today.

"The group is in a good place so overall I'm happy with how things are."



In the men's final Germany - who are the reigning Olympic champions - beat the Netherlands 4-2 to claim gold.

Germany had ended England's hope of defending their title in the semi-final with a 3-0 win over their opponents and they will be one of the medal favourites at the 2012 Olympics – which will take place at a brand new facility in Eton Manor adjacent to the Olympic Park in Stratford.

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