ENGLAND MEN VICTORIOUS BUT WORRY AS STORRY IS INJURED by Susan Edghill in Amsterdam

(Image shows an injured Beth Storry being helped from the pitch)

England men started their campaign in the EuroHockey Nations Championships here in Amsterdam with a win over Austria by 5-0.

After ten minutes of pressure on the Austrian defence, England earned their first penalty corner which was duly converted at the first attempt with a drag flick by Ashley Jackson. England continued to press the Austrians during the first half but without any further success, despite good attacking play from captain Barry Middleton, Matt Daly and James Tindall. The Austrians had one or two attacks but England's defence held firm.

In the second half England took control. A lovely move down the left from Tindall to Alastair Brogdon and then on to Middleton to score past the goalkeeper gave them a 2-0 lead. Further movement between Tindall and Middleton gave Tindall and then Middleton deflected goals past an Austrian goalkeeper unable to stop the flow. Iain Mackay got in on the act as he made it 5-0 with one minute remaining on the clock.

Austria did earn a penalty corner with six minutes to go but they shot wide. Job done for England. Germany next. England will hope that they can tuck away some more of their chances and be in with a shout at the end.

ENGLAND WOMEN HELD THE DUTCH for ten minutes before they finally succumbed to a Maartje Pauman penalty corner special. England did have some forays into the Dutch half and after 14 minutes earned a penalty corner themselves. However, with no-one of Pauman's ability in the England team the Dutch cleared their lines. The match continued from end to end and England had their chances but couldn't quite finish. With ten minutes to go in the first half England earned their second penalty corner, but again the Dutch brought the ball out of defence . At the other end Beth Storry, who played her hockey in Holland until recently, was keeping England in the game. But with two minutes to go to half time she was unable to stop Kim Lammers deflecting in from a hit into the circle by Eva de Goede. 2-0 at half time.

Within three minutes of the restart Holland had another penalty corner, but this was saved by Storry and England continued to live dangerously. However, more pressure from England's continual harrying of the Dutch players saw a green card for de Goede followed by a yellow card for Vera Vorstenbosch. It was in this time that England earned their third penalty corner of the match. Kate Walsh's shot though was saved on the line, legally according to the umpire, though captain Walsh disagreed.

Alex Danson went off with a injury to her hand after 15 minutes of the second half during one of England's aborted attacking plays. This gave a chance for Hannah MacLeod to have some more pitch time. Danson came back on though after receiving treatment. The Dutch always looked dangerous, however, and holding on to the ball in the circle too long earned Holland another penalty corner. Again Storry came up trumps ro keep them at bay. But in the 58^th minute she was unable to stop Paumen scoring again from Holland's fourth penalty corner. Storry was injured in diving to try and save the corner. She stayed on but when she was called on to make another save it was evident that she could not continue. Paumen to score the ensuing penalty stroke straight past her injured shoulder.

Storry got a good round of applause from the crowd as she was helped off. Meanwhile Sally Walton padded up and after a restart with an extra field player, she walked on to take Storry's place. And she was soon called on to make a save which she did with great aplomb. However, another penalty corner to Holland six minutes from time and another Paumen special, gave Walton no chance and Holland ran out 5-0 winners.

England play Azerbaijan on Tuesday. A win will put them in the top four and guarantee a place in next year's World Cup in Argentina.

ENGLAND OFF TO FINE START

Despite bad omens from the earlier matches in which other sides from the British Isles suffered defeats, England's women got off to a fine start in the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Amsterdam, beating Russia 4-0, with goals from Helen Richardson, Jo Ellis, Nicola White and Sally Walton.

Earlier in the day Spain overcame Scotland 3-1 and Ireland suffered a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Germany.

TalkHockeyRadio will carry detailed daily reports and images from Amsterdam. See the Home page on our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk

EUROHOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCE DRAW

The EuroHockey League has announced its draw and one of its venues for the 2009-2010 season.

Subject to confirmation, Round 1.2 is scheduled to be played at St Germain Hockey Club, Paris, during the weekend of 23-25 October. There are two English clubs involved, Beeston and East Grinstead.

Beeston are drawn in Pool F with St Germain (France) and Leuven (Belgium), whilst East Grinstead are drawn in Pool C against the powerful Dutch from Amsterdam H&BC and the Poles of AFW Poznan.

The other English club, Reading, will play in Round 1.1 on 9-11 October at a venue to be announced. They are drawn in Pool B against Terrassa and French side Montrouge. Atletic Terrassa of Spain are one of Europe's top sides but they spectacularly exited the League in Round One last season when they were drawn in the same pool as Three Rock Rovers and Leuven.

Other British interest will centre on old European hands Kelburne, who are drawn in Pool G in Round 1.1. Their opposition will include last season's semi-finalists Rotterdam and Pembroke Wanders from Ireland. Another Irish side, Glenanne, are in Pool H with Gunwald Poznan and last season's runners-up, UHC Hamburg, and play in Round 1.1.

The top two teams from each of the eight pools go through to the KO16 Round 2.

The full draw and fixtures are as follows:

EHL 2009/10 - Round 1 Draw and Match Schedule
Pool A: HC Bloemendaal, Der Club an der Alster, HC Rotweiss Wettingen
Pool B: Atlétic Terrassa HC, Reading HC, CA Montrouge
Pool C: East Grinstead HC, Amsterdam H&BC, KS AWF Poznan
Pool D: Rot-Weiss Köln HC, Club Egara, HC Bra
Pool E: Waterloo Ducks HC, RC Polo de Barcelona, Dinamo Kazan
Pool F: St Germain HC, Beeston HC, KHC Leuven
Pool G: Pembroke Wanderers, HC Rotterdam, Kelburne HC
Pool H: WKS Grunwald Poznan, UHC Hamburg, Glenanne HC

Round 1.1.
9 - 11 October 2009: Venue TBA. 
Friday 9 October 2009
14.30 hrs: Reading HC v CA Montrouge (B)
16.30 hrs: UHC Hamburg v Glenanne HC (H)
18.30 hrs: Pembroke Wanderers v Kelburne HC (G)
20.30 hrs: RC Polo de Barcelona v Dinamo Kazan (E)

Saturday 10 October 2009
10.30 hrs: Atlètic Terrassa HC v CA Montrouge (B)
12.30 hrs: WKS Grunwald Poznań v Glenanne HC (H)
14.30 hrs: HC Rotterdam v Kelburne HC (G)
16.30 hrs: Waterloo Ducks HC v Dinamo Kazan (E)

Sunday 11 October 2009
10.30 hrs: Atlètic Terrassa HC v Reading HC (B)
12.30 hrs: WKS Grunwald Poznań v UHC Hamburg (H)
14.30 hrs: Pembroke Wanderers v HC Rotterdam (G)
16.30 hrs: Waterloo Ducks HC v RC Polo de Barcelona (E)

Round 1.2.
23 - 25 October 2009: St Germain HC, Paris (Subject to confirmation).
Friday 23 October 2009
14.30 hrs: Club Egara v HC Bra (D)
16.30 hrs: East Grinstead HC v KS AWF Poznań (C)
18.30 hrs: Der Club an der Alster v HC Rotweiss Wettingen (A)
20.30 hrs: St Germain HC v KHC Leuven (F)

Saturday 24 October 2009
10.30 hrs: Rot-Weiss Köln HC v HC Bra (D)
12.30 hrs: HC Bloemendaal v HC Rotweiss Wettingen (A)
14.30 hrs: East Grinstead HC v Amsterdam H&BC (C)
16.30 hrs: Beeston HC v KHC Leuven (F)

Sunday 25 October 2009
10.30 hrs: Rot-Weiss Köln HC v Club Egara (D)
12.30 hrs: Amsterdam H&BC v KS AWF Poznań (C)
14.30 hrs: HC Bloemendaal v Der Club an der Alster (A)
16.30 hrs: St Germain HC v Beeston HC (F)

THE RETURN OF THE ‘SUPER CUP’?

They were last seen about five years ago, but the Premiership Finals (or 'Super Cup') are to make a return to the hockey calendar this season, albeit in a different guise.

Under proposals to be introduced at the end of the 2009-10 season, the top five men's Premiership sides will play-off to decide which clubs qualify for the EuroHockey League. The proposal stems from an idea put forward by the Premier Hockey League Forum.

At the end of the season the top club in the Premiership will automatically qualify for Europe and will be entered into the EuroHockey League as the third ranked team. They, and the next four teams, will be entered into a play-off competition to decide the clubs that will qualify for the 2010-11 EuroHockey League. England is currently allocated three places.

The Premiership Champions will have the opportunity to improve their ranking from third place depending on the result of the play-offs. Ranking has an effect on the quality of opposition in Round One of the EuroHockey League as the teams are seeded to reduce the chances of the top clubs knocking each other out early in the competition. There were objections under the old Premiership 'Super Cup' system that the leading club could be eliminated despite having played a successful league season. Under these proposals the league champions place in Europe is secure.

Details of dates and venues for the qualifying competition have not yet been announced.

There is no Premier Hockey League Forum for women and England Hockey is consulting with women's clubs with a view to the possible introduction of a similar competition for women.

IN ANOTHER CHANGE TO THE LEAGUE STRUCTURE, the number of players than can be registered has been raised from 27 to 30. This is to ensure that there are sufficient players available to a club when top players are called up on international duties.

TalkHockeyRadio at the Euro Nations

This news blog will provide daily reports from the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Amsterdam starting on 23 August 2009 (Day 2).

You can find a full preview of the Championships in our monthly on-line magazine, available to download from our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR ENGLAND AT END OF LONG TRAIL

England's Junior World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end in Boston earlier today when they lost the bronze medal match to Korea.

After a goalless first half, Korea scored six minutes into the second period from a penalty corner. Jenny Hall managed to equalise with a penalty corner conversion a few minutes later but Korea soon re-established their lead and the game ended 2-1 in Korea's favour.

Despite the defeat at the end of a long campaign, fourth place is the highest achieved by England in this competition and has seen the girls beat France, India, Chile and the USA, as well as drawing against Korea in the Round 1 and Australia in Round 2.

England squad v Korea (Bronze Medal match):
Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Jenny Hall (Canterbury), Abi Harper (Leicester), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Susie Townsend (Canterbury), Lauren Turner (Leicester). Did not play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students).

 

ENGLAND ROBBED BY GOLDEN GOAL

After what has been a fantastic run in the Junior World Cup in Boston (USA), England's girls were robbed of a place in the finals by a golden goal scored by Argentine Carla Dupuy after 14 minutes of extra time.

England and Argentina had played out 70 minutes of normal time without a goal. England's defence held out well against the very skilled Argentines, who in the past have both won the tournament and been runners-up.

England now play Korea for the bronze medal on Sunday after Korea lost their semi-final match to The Netherlands 5-0. Korea and England previously drew their Round One match 2-2.

England squad against Argentina: Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Jenny Hall (Canterbury), Abigail (Abi) Harper (Leicester), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Sam Quek, (Bowdon Hightown), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Susie Townsend (Canterbury), Lauren Turner (Leicester). Did not play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students).

 
 

ENGLAND MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

England's men followed up their 8-0 drubbing of France on Wednesday by scoring another four against the French at Bisham today. Matt Daly, who seems to be on fine scoring form at the moment, got his name of the scoresheet twice, once from open play and once from a penalty corner. The other scorers were Ashley Jackson from a penalty corner and Barry Middleton from a field goal. The French had no reply to the English and the match finished 4-0 in England's favour.

France have qualified for the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Amsterdam later this month, but are playing in a different pool to England.

Amendment to England v France result

The text of last night's report on the England v France match should have shown the score as 8-0 to England. Our apologies for the typographical error. This has now been amended.

ENGLAND IN EIGHT GOAL BONANZA

England men beat France this evening at Bisham Abbey, with goals from Richard Smith, Matt Daly (3), Alastair Brogden, James Tindall, Richard Mantell and Barry Middleton. Final score 8-0 to England.

ENGLAND ASSURED BEST EVER FINISH

England are now assured of a semi-final place and their best ever result in a Women's Junior World Cup.

Playing the Australians in the last of their Second Round matches in Boston, USA, Harriet Pearce got England off to an early start with a drag flick from an eighth minute penalty corner. A few minutes before the break Danielle Schubach scored from open play to equalise for Australia.

Despite scoring chances for both sides and mounting pressure from the Australians as the clock ticked down, neither side was able to find the net and the match ended on 1-1.

England now play the second placed side from Pool F on Friday. Pool F is currently led by the Dutch with the Germans in second place, but with China and Argentina still in the mix. The final places in Pool F will be decided today (Wednesday).

Final positions in Pool E (includes results carried over from Round One:

		P	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts	GD
1	England	5	3	2	0	9	5	11	+4
2	Korea	5	3	1	1	15	10	10	+5
3	Australia	5	3	1	1	10	7	10	+3
4	USA	5	2	0	3	12	9	6	+3
5	India	5	2	0	3	10	11	6	-1
6	Chile	5	0	0	5	2	16	0	-14

 

England squad against Austalia: Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Jenny Hall (Canterbury), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Abi Harper (Leicester), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Susie Townsend (Canterbury), Lauren Turner (Leicester). Did not play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students).

 
 

ENGLAND WELL PLACED FOR MEDAL IN BOSTON

England are a point clear of their nearest rivals, Australia, in Pool E in the Second Round of matches in the Women's Junior World Cup in Boston, USA. This follows the game with the host nation yesterday evening.

England scored in the 20^th minute when Charlotte Craddock set up Loren Sherer to put home England's opener. England enjoyed a short lived lead until Camille Ghandi equalised a few minutes later from a penalty corner.

The two sides remained deadlocked until 12 minutes into the second half, when Charlotte Craddock was stick tackled in front of the US goal. A penalty stroke was awarded from which Craddock scored. In a repeat of what happened in the first half, England only hung onto their lead briefly, with Katie Reinprecht scoring soon after to equalise the score at 2-2. It was left to Harriet Pearce to score the winner for England with just under fifteen minutes of play remaining.

England's next match is their final Second Round game and is against Australia on Tuesday. This is a late afternoon match and the result may not be available in the UK until Wednesday due to the time difference. A win or draw in this match would almost certainly put England in contention for a medal place.

England squad against USA: Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Jenny Hall (Canterbury), Abi Harper (Leicester), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Samantha Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Susie Townsend (Canterbury), Lauren Turner (Leicester). Did not play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students).

WALES SECURE BRONZE IN WREXHAM

Wales have taken the bronze in the EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Wrexham, beating the Czech Republic 5-2. We are waiting for confirmation of the Welsh scorers but we believe they were Rick Gay(2), Rhys Joyce, Lewis Prosser and Ben Edge.

Scotland managed to rescue something from this tournament by beating Belarus 2-1 this afternoon in the relegation pool. They defeated Italy 5-3 yesterday and now finish the competition in fifth place.

The final between Ireland and Russia is currently being played and is the only result outstanding. Italy and Switzerland are relegated to the Challenge l in 2011.

ENGLAND NOT PHASED BY CHAK DE SPIRIT

There cannot be many international hockey sides who have had a movie based on them, and the Indian women seem to have been taking some inspiration from Chak de India in the Junior World Cup in Boston, USA. In their First Round pool they finished second on goal difference, beating no less a side than Australia on the way. So they posed a grave threat when England met them in the first of their Second Round matches earlier today.

India seemed to have taken control early in the match and it was against the run of play that a cross was collected by Loren Sherer, who put the ball passed the Indian goalkeeper. England grew in confidence but both side's defences held firm and Sherer's goal was to be the only one of the match. Final score 1-0 to England

England were bolstered by the return of their captain Sam Quek (pictured), who has now recovered from injury. England's next match is against the USA, who incidentally were the only team to beat India in Round One The match is scheduled to be played tomorrow evening, so the results may not be available until some time on Monday in the UK.

England v India: Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Jenny Hall (Canterbury), Abi Harper (Leicester), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Susie Townsend (Canterbury). Lauren Turner (Leicester). Did not play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students).

Final tables in Junior World Cup at the end of Round One

 

 

 

Today was a rest day in the Junior World Cup in Boston, which gives us the opportunity to update the first round pool tables.

	Pool A	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts	GD
1	Korea	3	2	1	0	12	4	7	+8
2	England	3	2	1	0	9	2	7	+7
3	Chile	3	1	0	2	3	8	3	-5
4	France	3	0	0	3	1	11	0	-10

	Pool B	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts	GD
1	Germany	3	3	0	0	11	4	9	+7
2	Argentina	3	2	0	1	10	2	6	+8
3	South Africa	3	1	0	2	5	11	3	-6
4	Lithuania	3	0	0	3	3	12	0	-9

	Pool C	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts	GD
1	China	3	2	0	1	7	2	6	+5
2	Netherlands	3	2	0	1	8	4	6	+4
3	New Zealand	3	2	0	1	7	4	6	+3
4	Spain	3	0	0	3	0	12	0	-12

	Pool D	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts	GD
1	Australia	3	2	0	1	11	4	6	+7
2	India	3	2	0	1	11	6	6	+5
3	USA	3	2	0	1	8	5	6	+3
4	Belarus	3	0	0	3	1	16	0	-15

 

England now go into the second round and play their first match in Pool E against India tomorrow (Saturday). England's other matches are:

Sun 9 August v USA

Wed 12 August v Australia

ENGLAND FINISH SECOND IN POOL

Goal difference will mean that England will finish their pool in second place in the Junior World Cup in Boston. Playing Chile earlier today England's girls managed to score once in both halves to give them seven points in the pool, only separating them from the top by Korea's superior goal difference.

England's first goal came from a penalty corner scored by Lauren Turner. Chile defended in depth in sweltering heat but could not prevent the second corner conversion, this time from Abi Harper with about five minutes of play left.

England's second place means that they will next play on in Round Two starting on Saturday. Round Two will comprise of two pools, Pools E and F, and will include the three highest ranked teams from each of the Round One pools. England will be in Pool E, and are likely to play India, USA and Australia. They will carry forward the seven points they won in Pool A.

England squad against Chile: Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Jenny Hall (Canterbury), Abigail (Abi) Harper (Leicester), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Susie Townsend (Canterbury), Lauren Turner (Leicester), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students), Georgie Twigg (Clifton). Did Not Play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students), Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown).

After the controversy and disappointment of Thursday, Scotland head the relegation pool in the EUROHOCKEY NATIONS TROPHY IN WREXHAM after beating Italy 5-3. Wales lost their semi-final match against Ireland and now play the Czech Republic for the bronze medal on Saturday. Wales previously drew against the Czechs on Sunday. The final will be between Ireland and Russia.

SCOTS PROTEST HOLE IN NET

There was no play in the EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Wrexham today. However, it has emerged that Scotland lodged a protest after their 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, a result which dumped Scotland into the relegation pool.

Niall Stott had appeared to score a goal during the match but the goal was not allowed by the umpires. However, it later emerged that a video of the match showed the ball entering the goal but passing out through a hole in the netting. An official protest was lodged with the Tournament Director by Alan Bryce, the Scotland manager, but the protest was turned down on the basis that the umpires' decision cannot be changed.

IN THE WOMEN'S JUNIOR WORLD CUP IN BOSTON (USA) England were not scheduled to play today. Their next match is against Chile on Thursday. After two matches only Germany (Pool B) and India (Pool D) are on maximum points. China leads Pool C separated by goal difference from New Zealand.

LATE EQUALISER DEPRIVES ENGLAND OF MAXIMUM POINTS

A last minute penalty corner conversion deprived England of a second win and maximum points in the Women's Junior World Cup in Boston (USA) today.

Playing Korea, the England girls had a dream start when Charlotte Craddock (pictured in GB colours) scored for England with less than 60 seconds on the clock. Sohyun Bae equalised from a penalty corner later in the half but Dilly Newton put England back in the lead just before the break.

England hung on to their slender lead until the 69^th minute when Seul Ki Cheon scored the equaliser to end the match on 2-2.

Skipper Sam Quek missed the match as a result of an injury sustained in Monday's match against France.

England's next match is against Chile on Thursday. England are currently second in the pool behind Korea, only separated on goals scored. Chile beat France 2-0 in the other Pool A match today and go into third place.

England team against Korea: Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Jenny Hall (Canterbury), Abi Harper (Leicester), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Susie Townsend (Canterbury), Lauren Turner (Leicester). Did not play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students) and Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown).

IN THE EUROHOCKEY NATIONS TROPHY IN WREXAM the progression of Wales in the tournament will be decided by a penalty stroke competition tomorrow morning (Wednesday). After a 1-1 draw against Switzerland today they have finished joint top of Pool B with the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic drew their match against Scotland 2-2 today, putting Scotland into the relegation pool but with three points carried over. Wales will now play either Ireland or Russia in the semi final on Thursday.

LEE SELECTS HIS SQUAD

Head coach Jason Lee has selected his squad for the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Amsterdam. The selection seems relatively conservative, with a number of players from the Beijing Olympics making up the lion's share of the squad. The relative new boys are Richard Smith, Adam Dixon, Iain Mackay and Alistair Brogdon.

England play their first match of the Championships against Austria on Sunday 23 August. Danny Kerry is yet to release his selection for the women's squad.

England squad for the EuroHockey Nations Championships: James Fair (Cannock), Nick Brothers (Reading), Ben Hawes (Surbiton), Richard Mantell (Reading), Richard Smith (Loughborough Students), Ali Wilson (Beeston), Adam Dixon (Beeston), Richard Alexander (Surbiton), Ashley Jackson (HGC), Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead), Iain Mackay (Reading), Barry Middleton (HGC), Rob Moore (Surbiton), Alastair Brogdon (Bowdon), Jonty Clarke (Reading), Matt Daly (Surbiton), Simon Mantell (HGC), James Tindall (Surbiton).

A full preview of the Championships will appear in the next edition of our on-line magazine HockeyTalk, which will be available to download from 20 August 2009.

ENGLAND GIRLS OFF TO COMFORTABLE START

England got off to a comfortable start in the Women's Junior World Cup in Boston (USA) today.

Playing against France in their first match of the tournament, England recorded one goal in the first half courtesy of Lauren Turner, but dominated the second half with two goals from Sara-Jo Coakley and two from Sophie Bray (pictured playing for her club). France were unable to find a reply and the game ended 5-1 in England's favour.

England's next match is against Korea tomorrow (Tuesday).

England v France: Sara-Jo Coakley (Bowdon Hightown), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Jenny Hall (Canterbury). Abi Harper (Leicester), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Dilly Newton (Clifton), Harriet Pearce (Clifton), Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown), Loren Sherer (Durham University), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Hollie Webb (Cannock), Sophie Bray (University of Birmingham), Kirsty Dawson (Poynton), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Susie Townsend (Canterbury), Lauren Turner (Leicester). Did not play: Maddie Hinch (Loughborough Students), Amy Turnbull (Loughborough Students).

IN THE MEN'S EUROHOCKEY NATIONS TROPHY Scotland won an important match against Switzerland today 4-0. This follows on from Scotland's shock defeat at the hands of Wales on Saturday. This puts Scotland in third place in Pool B with three points. Wales lead the pool after drawing their second game 1-1 against the Czech Republic.