England squad features German influence for EuroHockey Indoor Championship in Portugal
THERE is a strong German connection in the England men’s 12-strong squad preparing for next month’s second tier EuroHockey Indoor Championship in Espinho, Portugal.
Reading's Tom Carson will captain England in the EuroHockey Indoor Championship
Three players, Brendan Creed, George Farrant and David Goodfield from the 2014 European club champions Harvestehuder, and a fourth, Richie Dawson-Smith, who played for the Hamburg-based club up to this season, have been selected by head coach Andy Halliday, who is also coaching the women’s squad.
The only members of the centrally based GB Olympic training squad are the captain Reading’s Tom Carson and East Grinstead’s goalkeeper Patrick Smith.
The squad played a warm-up tournament in Belgium with Lille, Belgium and Scotland, finishing third after two wins, a draw and a defeat .
East Grinstead's Patrick Smith (in blue) will be England's keeper
England are seeking an immediate return to the European top flight after being relegated at the last edition in 2014.
Halliday said: “With the international outdoor calendar becoming increasingly busy, this winter’s indoor programme provides a great opportunity for the England development group to benefit from the experiences of international indoor hockey. The pressure and intensity of elite level indoor will help with outdoor development.
Richie Dawson-Smith is one of two Wimbledon players in the England squad
“I was pleased with the progress (in the Belgium tournament), particularly with two wins against Belgium and Scotland on the second day. The weekend has set us up well for the tough competition ahead.”
England squad: Albery (Beeston), Carson (Reading) capt, Creed, Farrant, Goodfield (all Harvestehuder), Dawson-Smith, Kinder (Wimbledon), Gall (Surbiton), Horler, Reynolds-Cotterill, Taylor(Loughborough Students), P Smith (East Grinstead).