An 18-strong squad of up and coming players have been named in the England Hockey squad travelling out to the Junior World Cup in Chile which takes place from 29 November – 10 December.
The tournament was last in Chile in 2016 and the England team won their first ever medal in the 2022 edition of the event which took place in South Africa.
Evie Wood (University of Birmingham), who starred in the 2022 team with some impressive saves to help secure the bronze medal, returns and co-captains the side. Beth Alexander (Loughborough Students) broke her hand in the first game in South Africa and has returned to the side and take on the co-captain.
The squad’s first match is against New Zealand on 30 November and they then take on the United States on 1 December.
Head Coach, Simon Letchford, said: “As a group of players and staff, we are looking forward to competing against the world’s best Under 21 sides in Santiago in a few weeks’ time.
“The selected group brings together nine players who won Bronze in the 2021 Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, a number of younger players who have excelled in the England pathway and for their schools, clubs and universities and some with senior international experience.
“Led by co-captains Evie Wood and Beth Alexander it is exciting to see how they will progress into the Junior World Cup and beyond.”
Head of Talent Development, Heather Williams, said: “Congratulations to all the players selected and thank-you to the many coaches, parents, clubs, schools and universities who support the players on a daily basis.
“Your support is invaluable to them having this opportunity to represent England at a Junior World Cup. We are really looking forward to getting out to Santiago now and playing and competing with the best junior sides in the world.
“It will be great experience for the players on and off the pitch and I’m sure Chile will once again host a superb tournament”
Name Club
Beth Alexander Loughborough University
Alice Atkinson University of Birmingham
Maddie Axford University of Nottingham
Tilly Butterworth Repton Sch/Repton HC
Katie Curtis Surbiton HC
Hollie Dring-Richardson Loughborough University
Sienna Dunn University of Nottingham
Georgie Gardens University of Exeter/Isca HC
Martha Le Huray Surbiton HC
Maddie Long University of Nottingham
Sofia Martin Hampstead and Westminster HC
Lizzy Pocknell Durham University
Molly Smith Loughborough University
Scarlett Spavin Durham University
Claudia Swain University of Nottingham
Martha Taylor Exeter University
Lily Walker University of Birmingham
Evie Wood University of Birmingham
Travelling Reserves
Lottie Bingham Weald of Kent GS/Holcombe HC
Emily Gilbert Godolphin and Latymer Sch/Wimbledon HC
Support Staff
Simon Letchford Head Coach
Brett Holland Assistant Coach
Leigh Maasdorp Assistant Coach
Tom Millington Team Manager/GK Coach
Charli Robertson Physiotherapist
Hannah Cureton Performance Analyst
Nicky Osborne Doctor
Heather Williams Head of GB Talent Development
