David Ralph insists Great Britain are a work-in-progress ahead of their Olympic final re-match against the Netherlands, after they let slip a 2-0 lead against Japan in the Champions Trophy.
Sophie Bray and Tess Howard put the Olympic champions two goals up inside the first quarter, Bray bundling home after a neat team move before Howard somehow kept her balance in a congested penalty box and fired in.
However, Japan slowly got back into the game and Hazuki Nagai pulled one back by lifting the ball over goalkeeper Amy Tennant.
Great Britain retreated further into their own half and Nagai scored her second from a penalty corner – one of nine Great Britain conceded – to secure a 2-2 draw.
“We know Japan are a good team – we went 2-0 up and played really well in the first quarter but their aggressive pressing got to us a bit,” said Ralph.
“Like a lot of teams at this tournament, we’ve got some new players in our squad so we’re developing.
“We’re pleased with several areas of our game but we’ve still got some aspects to work on.”
The result means Great Britain stay fourth in the table ahead of Thursday’s match against the Netherlands, who are flying high at the top of the six-team group stage thanks to three wins from three.
Ralph’s side have yet to win in China so far, with a 2-2 draw with the hosts followed by a 2-0 defeat to Australia.
Sportsbeat 2018