Women’s head coach Jason Lee is remaining calm and composed about England’s chances at the Hockey World Cup after naming a squad of 18 to travel to the Netherlands.
England won bronze four years ago in Rosario and will face then hosts Argentina along with China, Germany, South Africa and USA to begin with in Pool B in the Hague.
Of the six teams in Pool B, England are the second-highest ranked behind Argentina with nine players set to make their World Cup debut in the Netherlands.
Helen Richardson-Walsh is the obvious omission having suffered with ongoing back problems, undergoing surgery in March, and head coach Lee is pragmatic about winning another medal.
“Any group at a World Cup is going to be tough. We’re facing some of the best teams in the world and playing the USA in our first game is significant as they come into the tournament off the back of winning the Champions Challenge at the end of last month,” he said
“Argentina is another stand out team in the group, but with all the sides ranked 11th or higher and everyone aiming for that top-two finish to reach the semi-finals, we’re under no illusions as to how tough the games will be.”
England squad
Maddie Hinch, Goalkeeper
Kirsty Mackay, Goalkeeper
Laura Unsworth, Defender
Hannah Macleod, Forward
Georgie Twigg, Midfielder
Susannah Townsend, Midfielder
Susie Gilbert, Midfielder
Kate Richardson-Walsh, Defender
Sam Quek, Defender
Alex Danson, Forward
Sophie Bray, Forward
Hollie Webb, Defender
Ellie Watton, Forward
Ashleigh Ball, Midfielder
Sally Walton, Defender
Lily Owsley, Forward
Zoe Shipperley, Defender
Nicola White, Forward
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