England men’s captain Barry Middleton insists his side will continue their bid for success by playing eye-catching hockey after drawing their first World Cup match 1-1 with Spain.
Alastair Brogdon got England off to an electric start in the Pool A clash, opening the scoring inside six minutes with a shot from the top of the circle.
They continued to create chances in the first half but Spain hung on before Eduard Tubau found the leveller after the break.
Middleton however refused to get downbeat after a start that promises a slew of entertaining matches before the tournament is over.
"In the first half we played some really good hockey and deserved to be in the lead,” he said. “In the second half they changed some things and made it harder for us and we made a few mistakes.
“I hope it was exciting to watch. It felt exciting to play in, which is what we want. We want to win but we want to go about it by playing good and exciting hockey.
“If they get a goal like they did it’s a shame but that’s the way it goes.
“We want to create chances. We said to the guys at half time that as long as we create chances we don’t have to change anything.
“There’s no sense in getting frustrated when things don’t quite go to plan. That won’t get you anywhere.
“We want to keep doing the things we’re good at. Sometimes they go in and other days they don’t. That’s hockey for you.”
England’s next match will be against India on Monday, who lost 3-2 to Belgium in their opener.
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