England's attempt to reach the 2001 European Championship finals in Turkey came to a disappointing end on Wednesday in Dubrovnik.
Already needing results to go their way to have any chance of progress, Laszlo Nemeth's side went down 82-72 to group leaders Croatia, ensuring that they plus Latvia will take the top two spots.
Steve Bucknall - who will bring his illustrious international career to a close on Saturday when England hostHu ngary at Coventry - hit 24 points against the weaknened Croats who pulled away in the final quarter as their guests shot blanks from the foul line.
Latvia thrashed last-placed Slovakia 101-78 while Hungary edged Switzerland 72-71.
The English must now win next weekend to avoid having to pre-qualify for the next semi-final round.
Copyright Britball. Download is subject to Britball's Terms and Conditions