Commonwealth Games: Adam Dixon scores in England defeat to New Zealand

Adam Dixon scored his second goal of the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday but it wasn’t enough to stop England from falling to a surprise defeat against New Zealand.

New Zealand took the lead through Andy Hayward after the Kiwis were given a controversial penalty following a video referral, but Dixon, of Newark, brought England level in the 59th minute when his smart volley took the NZ keeper by surprise.

But a goal from Simon Child two minutes from time condemned England to their first defeat of the Games.

Despite the defeat, England are all but guaranteed progression to the semi-final as it would take a 16-goal swing for them to be pegged back by Thursday's opponents Canada in the last group match.

England can still finish top if they win against Canada and Malaysia beat New Zealand, but any other result will leave Dixon's team second in the table.

Australia, who were crowned World Cup champions in June, will set up a semi-final date with England if they avoid defeat to Scotland on Thursday.

The Aussies will finish top even if they lose as long as India don't overturn a ten-goal deficit in their favour.