Germany topped men’s Pool B with a strong second half performance to end France’s hopes of a final four place, putting them through to a semi-final against England.

After a series of penalty corners went without conversion in the first quarter, Germany hit the front in the 24th minute from a broken down set-piece. It fell to the right of the D where Mats Grambusch swung at the ball and while his connection was not fully clean, the ball deflected in off a defensive system.

France replied quickly with their third corner not initially stopped but they had the presence of mind to work the ball from Viktor Lockwood to Charles Masson who slapped in from the injector spot.

The hosts returned to the lead in the moments after half-time, this effort coming from a more direct route with Lukas Windfeder providing the power for 3-1. Arthur Thieffry blocked a Tom Grambusch stroke but it was a short reprieve with Gonzalo Peillat scoring his first goal of the tournament in the 39th minute.

Thies Prinz slammed in the fourth – the first from play just before the end of the third quarter and that was how the tie finished, 4-1.

Timm Herzbruch was named player of the match and was thrilled with the outcome: “The atmosphere was incredible and we love to play here. We made a lot of chances and they were good in defence, many corners, and a well-deserved win in the end.

“The English team is really good and it will be a tough semi-final. Hopefully the stadium is fully packed!”