Crutchley announces 21-man squad for South Africa series

BySportsbeat

Published 07/02/2017 at 17:45 GMT

England head coach Bobby Crutchley has named his 21-man squad for March’s four-test series in South Africa, as his side continue their preparations for this summer’s Hockey World League semi-final.

Eurosport

Image credit: Eurosport

England will face both hosts South Africa and Germany twice in Cape Town over a six-day period, before battling for a place in the World League final in London in June.

Captain Barry Middleton, as well as Adam Dixon and Mark Gleghorne, have been rested, while nine players recently added to the central programme are in line to win their first England caps.

Rio 2016 Olympians David Ames, George Pinner and Michael Hoare, as well as Ian Sloan, Sam Ward and Henry Weir will add experience to the squad, with Ward set to make his 50th international appearance.

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The team also features two players from the England U21s, with Jack Turner and Peter Scott being given the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the senior level.

"The trip is a great opportunity to expose the new squad to international matches early in the cycle," said Crutchley.

"With matches against Germany and South Africa it provides an ideal opportunity to start our preparations for the World League semi-final and Europeans later this year."

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