A solitary goal late in the first half from the Netherlands' Mink van der Weerden knocked England out of the Rabobank World Cup semi-finals in Rotterdam on Friday.
Coach Bobby Crutchley will now have to rally his troops, which include former Millfield School captain Simon Mantell, as they prepare for the bronze medal play-off on Sunday.
Former Team Bath Buccaneers coach Crutchley said: "First half we were under the cosh and defending too much and not playing hockey.
"Second half we upped the game and played better but unfortunately they were the best team and we didn't have enough chances.
"Twelve months ago when we put a new team together post-London (Olympics) I wouldn't have dreamed we would be in a World Cup final."
The second semi-final is between Australia and Argentina and England will meet the losers of that match in the bronze medal match on Sunday.
