08 January 2014, New Delhi: The England team looked confident and in full spirits during their practice session here at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The team is gearing up to meet the hosts – India on Friday on the opening day of Hero Hockey World League Final.
Speaking on playing against India, Coach, Bobby Crutchley, England said “we are confident against our match against India and hoping to start the tournament with a win. It’s always a pleasure to play against the Indian team in India”.
Speaking on the tournament he added “this tournament is definitely a preparation and a platform for the much awaited tournament which every player looks forward to. We will take many experiences from here which will be helpful for us in the World Cup. It’s a rare occasion that Top 8 hockey teams get to play against each other which in a way gives immense opportunity to the players to gain and learn from each other”
England
Current FIH World Ranking: 4
How they qualified: 3rd place – Hockey World League Semi Final, Johor Bahru (MAS)
About the team: England come into the Hero Hockey World League Final boosted by the return of two hugely important players. Ace midfielder Ashley Jackson and attacker Mark Gleghorne both return to the squad following injuries which kept them out of England’s fourth place finish at the TriFinance EuroHockey Nations event in Boom, Belgium. The team finished third at the Hockey World League Semi Final in Johor Bahru, and produced enough evidence to ensure that they will be a team to be feared in Final event in New Delhi.
One to watch: Ashley Jackson. Alongside team captain Barry Middleton, Ashley Jackson is one of England’s most gifted individuals. He possesses fantastic stick skills, a terrific eye for a pass and is one of the finest penalty corner drag-flickers in the world. Although only just returning from long-term injury, Jackson in expected to be one of the stars of the show in New Delhi.
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