MELBOURNE: Spain relegated England to sixth and last place in the men’s field hockey Champions Trophy with a 5-2 win in the playoff match on Sunday.

Spain, who lost in the finals of last year’s Champions Trophy and Beijing Olympics, continued their dominance over England.

The last time England defeated Spain at a major field hockey tournament was at the 1987 European Nations Cup.

Spain scored first through Pau Quemada in the second minute before two turnovers by Richard Mantell contributed to Spain’s second and third goals.

Xavi LLeonart first robbed Mantell outside the circle and beat England goalkeeper James Fair, followed by Eduard Arbos robbing Mantell to set up Eddie Tubau to score with a drive.

Ashley Jackson made a penalty corner conversion for England to trail 3-1 at the break.

Xavier Ribas converted Spain’s second penalty corner before Jackson got his second for England off a penalty corner.

Spanish skipper Pol Amat broke through in the last minute to score his team’s fifth goal.

“We hope it is the beginning of our road to success in the (2010) World Cup,” Spain’s coach Dani Martin said.

England captain Barry Middleton said the Champions Trophy was an important buildup to next February’s World Cup in New Delhi.

“We have been working on getting back to the physical effort required to play at the intensity required in this tournament,” Middleton said.

England must attain a high final position at the World Cup to qualify for next year’s Champions Trophy in Moenchengladbach, Germany.

Netherlands play South Korea later Sunday in the bronze medal match, followed by the final between Australia and Germany.