Fulton Acknowledges India's Defensive Issues in Loss to England

India's head coach Craig Fulton expressed disappointment over the team's defensive performance and missed opportunities after their 2-4 loss to England in the hockey World Cup match held on August 18, 2026, in Amstelveen.

England's goals increased India's total conceded to 44 in 18 matches this year. Fulton noted that while the first half was promising, the team was caught off guard during counter-attacks, particularly with Nicholas Bandurak's goal. He emphasized the need for improvement in converting chances during critical moments.

Midfielder Manpreet Singh supported the coach's views, highlighting the importance of a strong defense against top teams and the necessity of capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Looking ahead, India must secure a victory against Pakistan on August 19 to advance to the next round, with Fulton stressing the need for better performance and composure in the final third.