England found the going tough at times but eventually got the goals they wanted for a comfortable 5-0 win over Poland to open the men’s EuroHockey Championship in Mönchengladbach.

Zach Wallace was the inspiration for the only goal of the first half, his driving run ending with a low reverse-stick shot which David Goodfield tipped in at the back post in the 24^th minute.

Either side of that, the Poles defended deep and effectively with Mateusz Popiołkowski cleaning up a number of chances.

Jacob Payton swept in the second late in the third quarter to give them an extra insurance goal, chipping in off the right post after a swift counter-attack broke his way.

Phil Roper got the final touch for number three after Nick Park’s tennis-style overhead touch dropped down toward goal.

And Sam Ward’s deflected penalty corner shot found its way into the backboard for number four and Tom Sorsby guided in a neat closing goal in the last minute for a 5-0 victory.