Danny Kerry has challenged his charges to relish the experience of another global final after naming an 18-woman squad for next month’s Hockey World League Final.
Alex Danson will once again lead the England team as they bid for glory in New Zealand from November 17-26, with the competition the latest preparation to hosting the Hockey Women’s World Cup in London next year.
But with a plethora of names throwing their hats in the ring for selection, Kerry knows the entire team going to Auckland can make an impact.
The head coach has made four changes from August’s European Championships, with Erica Sanders, Olivia Paige, Grace Balsdon and Suzy Petty all coming into the 18.
And with back-to-back bronze medals from the Euros and Hockey World League Semi-Finals, this is a group that is set to travel with confidence behind them, at least in the eyes of the man at the helm.
"Our selection for this World League represents a growing depth within our squad and the form and intent over the recent training block,” said Kerry, who recently returned to the job full-time after suffering a heart attack earlier this year.
“The application of all of the athletes has been first rate and we look forward to the competition coming up.
"We have a core of experience and leadership qualities running through the team including, but not limited to Pearne-Webb, Unsworth, Bray and Danson forming a spine of the team.
“We know that all of the teams have similar strengths and it will be a sensational opportunity to enjoy what we do best; competing."
England are currently ranked second in the world behind the Netherlands, with world No.3 side Argentina also in their Pool B in New Zealand.
Germany, ranked seventh, will also face Kerry’s team, as will China, while hosts New Zealand, the Netherlands, Korea and the United States make up the four sides in Pool A.
Squad:
Giselle Ansley
Grace Balsdon
Sophie Bray
Alex Danson
Emily Defroand
Sarah Haycroft
Maddie Hinch
Hannah Martin
Shona McCallin
Lily Owsley
Olivia Paige
Hollie Pearne-Webb
Suzy Petty
Ellie Rayer
Erica Sanders
Amy Tennant
Anna Toman
Laura Unsworth
Sportsbeat 2017