Photo: Richard Mantell returns to hockey after injury (HockeyImages.co.uk)As part of their preparation for next month's Commonwealth Games, England men played the first of a two-match series against France at Lilleshall last night (Friday).
The match saw the welcoming back of Barry Middleton, who has been out of competitive hockey since he broke his toe just before the Champions Trophy, and Richard Mantell, who has made a remarkable recovery from the horrendous injury received in the World Cup earlier this year. Neither Middleton or Mantell were on the score sheet, although it was Richard's brother, Simon, who opened the scoring from England early in the second half.
France equalised through their Olivier Sanchez two minutes later, but James Tindall scored the winner soon after to give a final score of 2-1 to England.
England play France again this morning.
