Following on from the comparative success of the England men's team in Monchengladbach, the women's World Cup opens in Madrid later today (Wednesday). The opening day sees all twelve teams in action, with England playing China later today. Although England were ranked higher than the men at the start of the tournaments, they are drawn in a particularly stiff pool, which includes the Netherlands (ranked 1st in the World), Germany (ranked third), and China (ranked fifth).
At home Surbiton hockey club have announced the appointment of former England men's skipper Brett Garrard as Assistant Director of Coaching as deputy to John Royce. Garrard, who had a particularly successful campaign in the World Cup has 237 international caps to his name.
