England’s hockey men went down 4-2 to Spain in their second of two matches leading up to next month’s Hero Honda World Cup, a tournament that doubles as the test event for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

After drawing 2-2 against Spain, ranked three in the world, on Sunday, England went a goal down to the Spaniards through an Ed Tubau effort after 13 minutes of yesterday’s (Tuesday) contest.

Ali Wilson and Jonty Clarke hit back on 19 and 30 minutes to give England a 2-1 lead, before Xavi Ribas levelled up just before the interval.

Tubau grabbed his second of the game just after the break and Gaby Dabanch made it 4-2 in the dying moments of the contest.

Afterwards England Head Coach Jason Lee said: “This has been a physically hard training camp for the group and I’m pleased with what we’ve achieved here.  

“After a good first half today fatigue began to show in the closing stages.  Overall, I’m happy with the first steps we’ve taken towards the World Cup at the end of February.”