Their first world-level last-four appearance since losing the 1986 World Cup final to Australia in Willesden began badly and the side never recovered.

England were 2-0 down inside 11 minutes after goals from Jan-Marco Montag and Oliver Korn and despite Loughborough Students' Richard Smith pulling one back midway through the half there was to be no repeat of August's European Championships final when they came from behind to beat the Germans.

Former East Grinstead player Martin Haner put Germany, seeking a third successive World Cup triumph, further ahead just before half-time and Linus Butt's penalty corner 10 minutes from the end sealed victory.

England will now face Holland in Saturday's bronze medal play-off after they lost 2-1 to Australia, runners-up in England's group, but they have already secured their best World Cup finish on foreign soil.

"Obviously we're very disappointed," said captain Barry Middleton.

"We found it difficult to break down a resolute German defence and the difference was the way they played in both circles."

Coach Jason Lee also praised Germany's backline, which has conceded just 10 goals in six matches.

"Their deep defence was outstanding. I was proud of some of the things we did but you can't afford to give a team like Germany a two-goal start," he said.

"Ultimately we paid the price for a sloppy first 10 minutes.

"We missed the three guys we've lost to injury [brothers Richard and Simon Mantell and Matt Daly] but I'm still very proud of the squad."