A 3-1 victory over Ukraine at the Echo Area, Liverpool last night (friday)guaranteed the hosts at least a bronze medal.
It also keeps the National Badminton Centre based second seeds on course to match their runners-up spot in this event last year.
Last night mixed doubles pair Nathan Robertson and Jenny Wallwork made a good start with an easy victory over Valeriy Atrashchenkov and Elena Prus.
It was a different story for Andrew Smith, ranked 21st in the world, who had to come from behind against Dmytro Zavadskyy.
Liz Cann put up a brave fight in the women’s singles before losing 2-0 to Larisa Griga.
It was left to mens doubles pair Robert Blair and Chris Adcock to wrap up victory.
England take on Poland for a place in the final later today (saturday) and head coach Ian Wright has warned his players of the potential danger ahead.
“We know them very well as we have played them home and away this year in friendlies and the score is 1-1. This is the decider for the season,” he told PA Sport.
“Poland’s men’s singles player (Przemyslaw Wacha) is top-10 in the world, their men’s doubles are a top-10 pair and they have one very experienced girl.
“If we play well we have every chance of winning but we need to play well.”
The other semi-final is between defending champions Denmark and sixth seeds Russia.
