Men’s hockey team ready for Gold Coast challenge

Team England has announced their 18-strong men’s hockey squad who will compete For Team and Country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Half of the squad will bring with them the experience of winning the bronze medal four years ago in Glasgow, while nine of the team will be making their Commonwealth Games debut in Australia next month. Team England stalwart Barry Middleton will be competing in his fourth Games having played at Melbourne 2006, Dehli 2010 and Glasgow 2014.

Team England have been drawn in Pool B for the 2018 Commonwealth Games against India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Wales. The team will begin their campaign on 6 April against Malaysia aiming for a place in the medal matches on 14 April.

The men’s team completed their preparations for the Commonwealth Games this week finishing runners up to Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Head coach, Bobby Crutchley, said:

“We couldn’t be more excited for the Commonwealth Games in Australia where there is a lot of interest in the sport and to joining up with Team England. As a squad we have been training very hard and very well and we are very much looking forward to building on what we achieved in 2017.

"We start with a tough opening match against Malaysia and we are very much focused on that and making the semi-finals and ultimately looking to win a medal.”

Team England's Chef de Mission, Sarah Winckless, said:

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to all the players and staff selected for Team England. Hockey is one of the strongest sports at the Commonwealth Games and almost all of the top teams in the world will be on the Gold Coast next month. Everyone at Team England has been hugely encouraged by the preparations of the men’s hockey team and we will be doing all we can to get them in the best possible place ahead of their first game against Malaysia on 6 April.”

The full team is as follows: