The Top of the D has been out and about at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, battling my way to the front of the queue of journalists to try and get some post match quotes for you, the readers. (Apart from Belgium vs India, I had to run to Greenfields for the start of England’s game!) Here are what the players had to say on day one. Continue reading
The first day of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup brought plenty of drama, plenty of skills and plenty of goals. Here is a summary of each of the games that took place on day one: Continue reading
A recurring theme in both the men’s and women’s squads going into the World Cup in The Hague seems to be players turning their backs on careers as teachers to concentrate on their hockey careers. Dan Shingles is another player who has done just that. Having made his international debut back in December 2012, the former Southgate skipper is rapidly approaching the 50 cap mark. The Top of the D caught up with him to talk fitness, World Cup chances and his first international goal.
The World Cup represents many things to the players competing for their countries. For some it is their first chance to showcase their talents on the big stage, for others it is a chance to add a medal to their ever-growing collection. For England’s Adam Dixon it represents a chance at redemption. Continue reading
Jason Lee has an unquestionable pedigree as an international coach. He spent ten years in charge of the England and Great Britain men’s sides. It was a period that saw them rise from 11th to 4th in the world. He also guided the team to a European Championship gold medal in 2009 and a silver medal at the 2010 Champions Trophy. He has taken that Midas touch across to the women’s side, too. England picked up a World League bronze medal and a European silver medal in Lee’s first two major tournaments in charge. Now the World Cup looms large on the horizon, can he make it three medals from three? The Top of the D asks him that, and plenty more. Continue reading
