Middleton: Character will see us through

Great Britain captain Barry Middleton expects each individual hockey player to take more responsibility against Pakistan.

The Pool A encounter gives the hosts the opportunity to prove Wednesday's disappointing display in the 2-2 draw with South Africa was a one-off.

Coach Jason Lee felt his side were too tentative and Middleton admits it is up to the squad as a whole to ensure that does not happen again after they snatched a late point having led 1-0 until 10 minutes from the end.

"I think you saw the attitude of the players when that (late) goal went in," said Middleton, referring to Ashley Jackson's second of the game two minutes from time.

"People took a lot more responsibility themselves (when they trailed 2-1) and it is probably something we should do for the whole game without leaving things till that late.

"But we showed the character of the group to come through that, with the crowd going crazy and spurring us on it was a big boost.

"We have a lot of experience. We have some tough characters in there who can pull people with them and try to fight it out a bit. We have been through so many games with this group that we don't have to talk things through too much."

Defender Iain Lewers also hailed the character within the squad to bounce back after a poor display.

"We showed a lot of fighting spirit and we dug in," said the East Grinstead player. "But I think we were lucky to even pick up a point in that match. We will take it as it comes and move on to the next match.

"It was never going to be an easy match, it's never going to be an easy group. We will just have to dig in and hope things go our way and take it on the chin. I think we can move on from it."