HOCKEY star Chloe Rogers has revealed her delight after helping England to a record third place finish at the World Cup in Argentina.

Although disappointed to lose on penalties in a tense semi final against the Netherlands, Rogers, 25, described the tournament in Rosario as “fantastic”.

England exceeded all expectations during the competition, beating some of the top teams on their way to the last four.

With victories against Spain, China, South Africa and Germany and draws against Korea and the Dutch, the girls can hold their heads high.

In fact it took a devastating penalty shoot against the Dutch for England to drop out of the running for the top trophy in women’s hockey.

They faced down the pre-tournament favourites to get a 1-1 draw, but lost 4-3 on penalty strokes. Rogers scored the fifth penalty but had already watched in agony as captain Katie Walsh and 19-year-old Charlotte Craddock both had their shots saved.

It was joy two days later though as Rogers helped the England team to a superb 2-0 victory over the Germans to finish third in the tournament – a best ever final standing.

The former Dunmow school pupil played superbly in the semi-final and final, helping to set up counter attacks and also maintaining a strong defence.

Speaking after being given her bronze medal she said: “It was a fantastic tournament with brilliant crowds of about 12,000 people and the atmosphere was crazy.

“We were devastated to lose the semi-final to Holland but picked ourselves up and said we weren’t going home without a medal from this tournament.

“Beforehand we said making the semi’s was our aim if we played well and results went our way, but we knew that would be a tough ask.

“It’s a great feeling to be beating some of the top teams now, through hard work in training during the winter months. The full-time sessions are starting to show and hopefully we can continue to improve through to London 2012.”

Rogers who plays club hockey for Leicester well next be on international duty during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, in two weeks time.