England bid to make home advantage count at EuroHockey Champs

The great and the good of European hockey will descend on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with the top eight men and women's sides set to battle it out from August 21-30.

Both England sides will come into the tournament with high hopes after both the men and the women – playing as Great Britain – secured qualification for the Rio Olympics.

England women suffered heartbreak last time out at the Europeans, finishing second to the Germans after a dramatic shootout.

However, with the side in good form and with the home crowd behind them, Richardson-Walsh admits they are looking to go one better.

"Everyone is feeling really positive and excited to be able to come here and play in front of a home crowd," she said.

"It's not often that happens and I think it will be brilliant. European hockey is so strong. The tournament will be of a really high standard, I think it’s just a case of consistency and who can put it on the line when it matters."

England's men finished fourth at the 2013 EuroHockey Championships, with the Netherlands' Jeroen Hertzberger netting a hat-trick to lead his side to the bronze medal.

However they did take home gold back in 2009 and captain Middleton is eyeing up a repeat performance.

"I'm really excited for the whole tournament – seeing the stadium as it is and with a big crowd behind us it will be great," Middleton said.

"The Euros are always fun and we just want to get out there and show everyone how good we are. This is one of the hardest competitions to win.

"There are a lot of great teams out there and it's going to be tough for everyone."

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