By Neil Goulding

ENGLAND's men finished fifth at this year's World Championship in London, Ontario, Canada.

The national team defeated Japan 12-7 in their last match on foreign soil, ending their hurt from four years ago when they slipped to sixth in the world standings after a 13-12 loss to Japan in Perth at the last World Championship.

Midfielder Phillip Brauch led the way with four goals as England won every quarter 3-2, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-2.

Peter LeSueur scored a double and Matthew Beadle, David Bryant, Tom Caplin, Paul Flowers, Mark Reynolds and Andrew Beard were also on target.

Ireland, the Red Division winners, cemented a seventh place finish with an impressive 13-5 victory over Germany. Attacker James McAleavey led the way with five goals, while Daniel Leidl and Michael Hartofilis added braces.

Hosts Canada were crowned the new world champions after a 15-10 victory over the United States, the defending champions, who had held the title for the last 28 years.

Men's World Lacrosse Championship (London, Ontario, Canada) - Final: Canada 15 United States 10. Bronze-medal game: Australia 21 Iroquois Nation 8  5th place: England 12 Japan 7. Other selected matches: Germany 5 Ireland 13, Italy 9 Finland 10, Scotland 15 Netherlands 3, Czech Republic 18 Denmark 1, Wales 18 Latvia 2, South Korea 14 Spain 17, New Zealand 9 Hong Kong 6.