A LATE drag-flick from Giselle Ansley guided England to a 1-0 win over Ireland to secure a their place in the knockout stages of the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup.

England dominated from the off but couldn't make the breakthrough roared on by another sell-out crowd of 10,000 at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Next England take on Korea in the crossover match tomorrow with the winner taking on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Last Wednesday, Alex Danson netted her 62nd England goal on her 200th appearance for her country as the USA held the hosts to a 1-1 draw.

The Odiham hockey star gave England the lead in the 34th minute with a fine solo goal which sent the 10,000 strong crowd into a frenzy, moving level with Marjorie Pollard as joint Great Britain and England's top goal scorers of all time with 115.

However, Erin Matson levelled five minutes later with fierce reverse stick strike high into the net past Maddie Hinch.

Speaking after the match Danson said: “I just look at the stadium tonight and the overriding feeling with 10,000 supporters here I feel very proud of how far our sport has come during my career.

“It was incredibly special but for me playing in this game is special, walking out with my team mates of present and past was a huge honour.”