New Delhi: The England team was seen practicing at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium under the strict guidance of coach – Bobby Crutchley ahead of the Hero Hockey World League 2014. The team will start its tournament outing against India on the opening day of the League.

Speaking on the teams, Coach, Bobby Crutchley, England said, “We are aiming at giving tough competition to all teams that we will be playing against. While all teams are good and strong but the toughest competition we feel will be Australia. During our practice sessions we are giving utmost emphasis on areas where we feel maximum errors will happen. We haven’t come here with a set strategy in place, rather we will take each match on every given day”.

England

Current FIH World Ranking: 4

How they qualified: 3rd place - Hockey World League Semi Final, Johor Bahru (MAS)

About the team: England come into the Hero Hockey World League Final boosted by the return of two hugely important players. Ace midfielder Ashley Jackson and attacker Mark Gleghorne both return to the squad following injuries which kept them out of England’s fourth place finish at the TriFinance EuroHockey Nations event in Boom, Belgium. The team finished third at the Hockey World League Semi Final in Johor Bahru, and produced enough evidence to ensure that they will be a team to be feared in Final event in New Delhi.

One to watch: Ashley Jackson. Alongside team captain Barry Middleton, Ashley Jackson is one of England’s most gifted individuals. He possesses fantastic stick skills, a terrific eye for a pass and is one of the finest penalty corner drag-flickers in the world. Although only just returning from long-term injury, Jackson in expected to be one of the stars of the show in New Delhi.