Timothée Clément’s last second winner saw France beat England 3-2, earning them a first semi-final spot for 55 years in the EuroHockey Championship.

In addition, it was the first time the French had won this match-up in the competition at the ninth attempt.

Clément tipped in with the very last play from close range after Brieuc Delemazure worked a free to Desgouillons who once again picked out the striker at the back post.

Early on, Stu Rushmere bundled in Sam Ward’s clever pass across for a 1-0 lead which they held through to half-time

France stormed back into contention in the second half when Amaury Bellenger latched onto a corner rebound which ricocheted his way after Victor Charlet’s initial drag-flick.

Clément then touched in a Mattéo Desgouillons backhand cross to put the French in front 2-1 going into the final quarter.

England pinned them back for much of Q4 until they drew level at 2-2 through Rushmere’s second from mid-circle.

And so the pendulum of momentum swung back to France and they kept going to the final whistle and their ultimate winner.