Surbiton's Jonny Ruiz hit a hat-trick to fire the England U18 hockey boys into the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Youth Championships.

Ruiz's goals accounted for the Netherlands in a 3-1 win on Thursday, and England now face Spain in Saturday's semi-final - Germany or the Netherlands await the victor.

With temperatures still high, England battled well against a strong Netherlands team, and looked to be heading for a draw before two late goals sealed the win.

Assistant coach Jamie Kingstone said: “It was a battling display from all the team.

"We weathered pressure and counter-attacked with clinical effect towards the end of the second half to secure a well-earned victory.

“The opportunity of a final place is definitely achievable and we look forward to the challenge that Saturday brings.”

Ruiz gave England an early lead from open play after just three minutes.

The Dutch full-back gave possession away on the 23-metre line to Ruiz, who found himself one on one. He rounded the defender before firing into the net.

But the Dutch equalised on 25 minutes through Mats Prins. England turned over on the half way line, and a 4 v 2 situation was taken to the right before they passed across the face of goal for a tap-in.

Late in the second half, Chris Proctor got the ball on the right hand side but rolled infield before slipping it to Ruiz at the top of the circle, where he scored with a forceful backhand shot low into the bottom left corner of the net.

And a minute later England were awarded a penalty corner, and Ruiz completed his hat-trick with a half-blocked shot which still trickled over the line.