LONDON, England (BBC) – England were unable to take advantage of an early strike in a 3-1 defeat to Argentina at the women’s Champions Trophy in Sydney yesterday.

Rebecca Herbert, in her 50th game, gave England the lead, deflecting in a cross from Chloe Rogers on six minutes.

Soledad Garcia levelled for Argentina with a penalty corner, before Carla Rebecchi edged them ahead, knocking in after great work by Luciana Aymar.

England wasted several penalty corners before Noel Barrionuevo hit a third.

It was the third time in this year’s tournament that England, ranked eighth in the world, were unable to press home for victory after scoring first.

They were denied victory over Olympic gold medallists Netherlands on Saturday after a late strike saw them draw 2-2 and then lose 3-1 to European champions Germany the following day.

Captain Kate Walsh said: “Overall we’re very pleased with our performance but obviously not the result.

“It was quite a good attacking performance, but we lacked the finesse required in the D and there were lapses of concentration at the back.”

England now face a showdown with hosts Australia today, with their final pool match against China on Saturday.

Regardless of England’s final placing in this tournament, participation in the 2010 tournament has already been guaranteed.