The host nation were indebted to a miserly defence and shootout heroics from goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill in the decisive semi-final.

France earned the other men's place at the World Cup.

Wales beat Italy 2-0 first up, with Gareth Furlong scoring a brace, before needing a shootout to squeeze past Ireland in the semi-finals and earn a place at the 2023 World Cup in India.

Ireland had taken the lead inside the opening minute, but Joseph Naughalty brought the Welsh level and it was 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

The match went to a shootout and Ireland scored only one of their five chances, meaning goals from Jack Pritchard and Rupert Shipperley - who played for Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics - were enough for Wales to win.

France comparatively breezed into the World Cup, beating Poland 5-0 and Austria 4-1, but did then lose 2-1 to Wales in the final.

Over in Pisa in Italy, only one place at next year's women's World Cup was on offer.

And top-ranked Ireland - runners-up at the 2018 World Cup in London - lived up to that billing.

Ireland defeated France 4-1, Belarus 3-2 and then Wales 2-1 to win the tournament.

Anna O'Flanagan played a starring role and scored four goals, including a brace in the final.

The Netherlands and Spain are co-hosting next year's World Cup.