India's marginal hopes of entering the semifinals of the Hockey World Cup went up in smoke as England thrashed the home team 3-2 to secure their place in the last-four stage of the mega-event in New Delhi today.

The defeat not only saw India go out of contention for the semifinal race but the hosts also registered their third straight loss in the tournament.

Ashley Jackson and James Tindall of England continued their good show in the tournament, while Gurvinder Singh Chandi and captain Rajpal Singh scored for India at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.