ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson and England will face hosts Holland in the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Championships today at 7pm in Amsterdam.

The other semi-final will be between Belgium against Germany and the winners will meet in the final on Saturday at 7pm.

Holders England secured their top two place in the group with a 2-0 victory over Scotland.

It was an end to end opening with both sides creating chances as goalkeepers Maddie Hinch and Amy Gibson were called into early action, however both were equal to their tasks.

The best chance of the opening quarter fell to Giselle Ansley, making her 100th international appearance, but Amy Gibson was able to kick away her penalty corner effort before the first break.

Neither side were able to get into their rhythm with possession constantly changing hands, but England improved before the half-time break.

A strike from Alex Danson strike was deflected at goal by Ellie Rayer before Ansley flicked at target from another penalty corner, but Gibson saved smartly on both occasions to ensure the sides entered the interval level.

England’s continued to press for an opener and on 35 minutes they eventually moved ahead. Anna Toman fired a cross into the circle from deep which was met by a diving Jo Hunter whose touch helped send the ball high into the net.

This buoyed England who went on to dominate the third quarter and were unfortunate not to extend their lead when Sophie Bray fired just wide.

A scrappy last 15 minutes followed with four cards being shown but the result was put beyond doubt in the closing stages as Ansley fired in a low drag-flick from a penalty corner to ensure the win for England.

They opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Ireland, with Danson scoring the final goal.

Laura Unsworth, Ellie Watton and Sophie Bray were also on the scoresheet, as England started their Pool B campaign with a superb win.

They then lost their second group game 1-0 to Germany.