EuroHockey 2015: England beat Germany as Scotland earn first win

A hat-trick from Alex Danson helped England beat Germany 4-1 to secure top spot in Pool B at the EuroHockey Championships at London's Olympic Park.

Sophie Bray opened the scoring for England against the reigning European champions before Danson added a second.

Kristina Hillmann pulled one back for Germany but Danson added two more to seal an emphatic victory.

England will face Spain, who are also unbeaten, in Friday's semi-finals, while Germany play the Netherlands.

"Germany are a quality side so we knew we had to bring our A-game," said Reading's Danson.

"We're absolutely delighted with the win.

"It was a fantastic first half particularly. Going two goals up so early held us in good stead for the rest of the game."

Meanwhile, Scotland avoided finishing bottom of Pool B with a 3-1 win against Italy.

After a goalless first half, Leigh Fawcett scored just 51 seconds after half-time following a penalty corner before Becky Merchant doubled the lead on her 100th cap from close range.

Seconds later Chiara Tiddi halved Italy's deficit, only for Kareena Marshall to restore Scotland's two-goal advantage with a low shot from another penalty corner.

EuroHockey Championships 2015: Schedule, results, standings and BBC coverage