England struggle to contain Malaysia

The English enjoyed much of the possession but lacked the killer touch in front of goal.

The crucial opening goal was just before half-time with their best scoring chance coming from a penalty corner in the closing stages.

Meanwhile, Australia's men were crowned champions after beating Pakistan 3-0.

It was a big blow for England who were above Malaysia in the world rankings and both goals coming from the only two shots on target.

Hockey skills: Penalty corners

England's fourth place was one better than their performance in Manchester four years ago but one worse than in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

The match had started promisingly with Matt Daly winning a ninth-minute penalty corner but he flicked straight at goalkeeper Ibrahim Nasihin.

England's second penalty corner in the 22nd minute saw Simon Mantell's powerful flick superbly batted away by Megat Azrafiq from just inside the right-hand post.

After some strong attacking play England went behind to a sucker punch six minutes before the interval when Tengku Ahmad latched onto a defence-splitting pass to slam home underneath Jon Ebsworth's body.

We did not make use of the chances that came our way England coach Jason Lee

Things worsened for England in the second half when from Malaysia's first penalty corner Rahim Amin's goalbound flick hit James Tindall on the line and Amin converted from the spot.

England won a penalty corner with six minutes remaining but when Nasihin stuck out a foot to deny Mantell their hopes of a comeback ended.

England coach Jason Lee conceded lost opportunities cost his team a medal.

"The ball was more in their corner than ours, but we did not make use of the chances that came our way," he said.

"We have to prepare better for China if we are to qualify for the World Cup."

Olympic champions Australia won their third consecutive Games men's hockey title with a comfortable victory over Pakistan.

Penalty corner goals from Liam de Young and Luke Doerner before Jamie Dwyer's impressive strike rounded off the scoring.