Eva de Goede’s shot thuds into the pads. There’s a brief pause whilst everyone in The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre processes what’s just happened. Maddie Hinch takes off towards the sideline, shedding her gloves, helmet and elbow pads as she runs, before sliding to the floor and being engulfed by her jubilant team mates. England are European Champions. 

England opened their Men’s Hockey World Cup campaign with a comfortable 5-0 win over Wales in the opening match of Pool D.

England start their Men’s Hockey World Cup campaign facing off against a familiar foe, but head coach Paul Revington is focused on ‘process’ and not rivalry when his side face Wales in their Pool D opener.