Holly Hunt put the host nation ahead in the second quarter with a powerful shot, before Tess Howard doubled the lead shortly after.

England almost made it three after half-time when Anna Toman's drag flick took a deflection and hit the post, before Gerringong's Grace Stewart swung into action, providing for Jane Claxton, whose shot was saved.

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Rosie Malone reduced the deficit in the final seconds of the game, but the Hockeyroos, who finished third at the recent World Cup tournament, would have to be content with silver in Birmingham.

"It's important to also acknowledge that you win a silver medal. Competitions are really interesting in that you lose gold," coach Katrina Powell said.

"We just won a bronze at the World Cup so we saw how much happier we were than the silver medallists. I think you miss out on that fun, excitement, experience if you are not happy with winning silver.

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"We have learnt and progressed and one of the things we have learnt is that we are not quite there yet.

"That's a powerful thing to know, that you are OK with where you are at but certainly not satisfied."

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