England Men’s Hockey Team Lands in Bhubaneswar for FIH Pro League Matches
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Synopsis
The England men’s hockey team has arrived in Bhubaneswar, preparing for their matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25. They aim to continue their strong performance in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- England's men's hockey team arrives in Bhubaneswar.
- Participating in FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25.
- Matches to be held at Kalinga Hockey Stadium.
- England currently ranked No. 2 in the world.
- Sam Ward is the leading scorer with eight goals.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 12 (NationPress) The England men’s hockey team has arrived in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, gearing up for their matches in the India leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25.
These upcoming games at the historic Kalinga Hockey Stadium are set to feature elite international hockey, with England keen to continue their strong performance in the tournament.
Ranked No. 2 globally, England will kick off their campaign against Spain in Bhubaneswar. They have been performing well in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25, currently holding the second position in the overall rankings. With 11 points from four matches, including three victories and one draw, they aim to maintain this positive trajectory.
A standout player for England has been forward Sam Ward, who leads the team in scoring with eight goals. His exceptional finishing skills and knack for finding the goal have been vital for England's achievements, making him a key figure as they strive to ascend the standings during this leg of the series.
The squad is excited to deliver a memorable performance in front of a passionate Indian audience at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, a venue celebrated for hosting top-tier hockey.
England captain Tim Nurse expressed, “I’m thrilled to play in India for the first time. My teammates have shared their amazing experiences from the 2023 World Cup here, and I can’t wait to feel that atmosphere myself. We hope to perform in front of a full stadium against India.”
He further stated, “We’re determined to win and aim for victories in all four matches this leg. Competing against India at home will be a significant challenge. Our past encounters have been intense, and I anticipate more thrilling matches this time.”
Interim coach Zak Jones shared his excitement upon arriving in Bhubaneswar, saying, “Having been here for the 2022 Pro League and the 2023 World Cup, I love playing in this atmosphere. The crowd is incredible, and I appreciate the unique culture and top-notch hospitality. Although we need to adapt to the heat, many players have recently played in the Hero Hockey India League, so they are familiar with these conditions.”
On facing India, Jones added, “We’re looking forward to this challenge. Our teams have had some memorable matches in recent years, especially at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where India triumphed. We have great respect for the Indian squad due to their high skill level. We are eager to compete and aim to execute our game plan effectively.”
