England Age Group Squads Reports

24 February 2025 

England Age Group Squads welcome Ireland to Lilleshall 

During the half-term break, the England Age Group squads kicked off their 2024/25 cycle with their first international friendlies against Ireland. From February 18th to 20th, 2025, they hosted Ireland at the Lilleshall National Sports Center for a three-day test match series.  

England U18 Boys  

Match 1 – 3-4 

Match 2 – 4-4 

Match 3 – 0-3  

England U18 boys played their first competitive matches of the season with a closely fought three match series against Ireland. There wasn’t much between the sides on day 1 with Ireland coming back from 3-1 down to snatch victory with some clinical finishing to win the game 4-3. 

Match two saw England muster their own comeback and managed to salvage a 4-4 draw after being down 4-2 at the end of Q3. Ollie Stone’s last-minute penalty stroke completed the comeback after a nervy final few minutes. 

Three games in three days took its toll on the squad who weren’t able to replicate the energetic performances of the previous two matches. Ireland game out of the blocks and took an early lead which they did not relinquish. England tried to get back into the game, but Ireland held firm and ran out 3-0 winners. 

 England U18 Boys Assistant Coach, James Bateman, said: “This camp was a tough lesson for the lads about the fine margins of international hockey. For large spells we pressured Ireland, but small mistakes and details in our execution will cost you at this level and were ultimately our undoing. We will get back to work and look to take these lessons into our upcoming 6 Nations at Easter, which will provide another good test for the team.” 

The England U18 Girls  

Match 1 – 0-1 

Match 2- 5-0 

Match 3 –1-0 

In bitter winter conditions, the England U18 girls took to the pitch for their first set of international matches for this young squad.  Many of the girls have recently moved up from U16s this season.  Initially, the team took some time to settle into the match and establish meaningful connections. As the game progressed, they began to create important connections and chances. Unfortunately, despite opportunities to take the lead, they conceded a corner in the final quarter, which was cleanly executed by Ireland. 

Match two - saw an improved performance and better connectivity. Playing fluid and exciting attacking hockey, the team stepped up and scored five goals, with a hat trick from Biba Mills. 

Match 3 - was challenging. Like the boys, playing three matches in three days took its toll on the team's tempo and fluidity. Despite creating numerous opportunities and dominating the game, England managed to find the back of the net only once, with a goal from Georgia Howe. 

England U18 Girls Head Coach, Brett Holland, said: “It was pleasing to see players getting their first exposure of U18 International hockey this season. For many it was their first taste and for some it was their first ever experience of junior international hockey, which is very special for all involved. Ireland gave us some good challenges over a competitive series.  

We were measured against in areas of the game we were trying to develop and focus on as we came together as a team in preparation for the 4 nations at Easter, followed by the European Championship in Lille in July. 

Congratulations to all the players involved and the important people around them, who support them achieving their aspirations.” 

England U16 Boys  

Match 1 - 2-1 

Match 2 - 5-0 

Match 3 - 1-2 

The England U16 boys started their international season with an enjoyable series against their Irish counterparts. Three games in three days provided a new and unique challenge and one that is an important learning experience with the longer series’ coming up at Easter and through the summer. 

The matches brought two wins and one loss, with close competitive games and physicality the key component throughout. Throughout the three matches, the forwards showed good purpose with their pressing, creating a number of turnovers and chances. Jake Glew scored a couple of goals in the first match, including the winner in the last minute of the first game. Some excellent baseline work and accurate shooting brought a hat-trick to Raf Dekkers in the second game with supporting goals from Cian Nelson and Harry Small. The team also finally had some short corner success with a goal to Toby Balls in a losing cause during the third game.  

Defensively it was pleasing to see the keepers make some strong saves during open play and during short corners. The margin for error is much smaller at international level, and mistakes are often punished at this level, so there is always a learning curve that needs to take place. The players continued to improve their 1v1 defensive work and grew in confidence with their out-letting and tactical play, even if there was the occasional pass intercepted.  

England U16 Boys Head Coach, Harry Jones, said: “We are really pleased with the effort and progress the team showed throughout the series. The boys worked hard, adapted well and took valuable lessons from each game. Winning two matches was a great achievement, but the real success was in how they developed as a group. This experience will be hugely beneficial as they continue with their hockey journey.” 

The England U16 Girls  

Match 1 - 0-1 

Match 2 - 5-0 

Match 3 - 1-1 

The Ireland series was a fantastic opportunity for the majority of the U16G squad to wear the England shirt for the first time in competitive games, sing the anthem, and enjoy some of the trappings of junior international hockey.   

It was also one of the most competitive series against Ireland that we have enjoyed for some time.  Highly competitive matches are always hugely beneficial - and this series was no exception.   

England U16 Girls Head Coach, Don Vinson, said: “The team made huge strides forwards across the series and demonstrated their fantastic commitment to learn following a tough first game in which we really struggled to play in a way which reflected our strengths.  The second match was superb and featured  

considerable steps forward in the collective intent of our pressing and our ability to make vertical connections in possession. 

We were grateful for the vocal encouragement of supporters throughout the three days which really helped to lift the team as they learned how to play against a physically robust and determined team with the kind of relentless spirit that characterizes what it takes to play for England.” 

The squads are gearing up for their season-opening tournaments. The U18 Boys will head to Leuven, Belgium, to compete in the 6 Nations tournament, facing Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Scotland. Meanwhile, the U18 Girls will host their 6 Nations tournament at Tonbridge School in Kent, with matches against the Czech Republic, Poland, Scotland, Spain, and the USA. The U16 Boys will also be at Tonbridge for their 6 Nations tournament, hosting Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and Scotland. Lastly, the U16 Girls will travel to Valencia, Spain with matches against Poland, Scotland, Spain and USA for their tournament. 

England Age Group Squads Compete at 6 Nations Tournaments Over Easter Weekend 

17–21 April 2025 | Leuven, Tonbridge, Valencia 
England's U16 and U18 squads take to the field in international tournaments across Europe 

Over the Easter weekend, 17–21 April 2025, England’s U16 and U18 squads kicked off their international season with spirited performances across three venues in Europe. Competing in the 6 Nations (and 5 Nations) tournaments, the squads faced strong opposition and gained valuable experience ahead of their summer programs. 

England U18 Boys – Leuven, Belgium 

The U18 Boys travelled to Belgium to face tough competition including Germany, Ireland, and Australia. 

Match Results 

• England 1–4 Germany 
• England 2–3 Ireland 
• England 3–2 Australia 
• England 5–2 Scotland 

England 1 – Germany 4 

The beginning of the game saw the English under storm and resulted in a 2-0 lead after two well worked counter attacks in quarter 1 and quarter 2.  The second half began with a German penalty stroke giving them a 3-0 lead.  England kept trying to get back into the game and found the net through a Jos W penalty corner.  As England looked to attack, they left gaps in their defence and the Germans pounced on these to restore their 3-goal lead with the game ending 4-1. 

England 2 – Ireland 3 

The match got off to a dream start for England, who took control early with sharp, aggressive play.  This pressure was rewarded when Jos W stepped up to convert a penalty corner.  Momentum stayed with England, and shortly after, Tom M doubled the lead with another converted penalty corner.  At 2-0 up, England looked the stronger side, but Ireland kept creating chances of their own.  A late first-half goal cut the deficit.  The second half saw a more physical and tactical Ireland side emerge.  With another goal bringing them level midway through, and with minutes to go, they snatched the winner following a quick turnover that led to a well-executed penalty corner. 

England 3 – Australia 2 

A tight first quarter ended 0-0 with England pressing hard.  Despite all of their dominance, England struggled to convert their chances and Australia struck first in quarter 2 with a counter-attack finish.  Australia gained some confidence from this and managed to score another goal before halftime to lead 2-0.  England found some belief in quarter 3 when Jos W fired back in quarter 3. Jos added another goal early in quarter 4 to set up a nervous finish for both sides.  Both sides had chances to win the game, but it was England who found a winner in the final minute, a strong run from Toby D set up Will B for the winning deflection, sealing a 3-2 victory for England. 

England 5 – Scotland 2 

England faced off against their familiar foe on Monday morning and started strongly out of the blocks racing into a 3-0 lead after some good attacking play led to chances for Nathan S, Jack S and Moritz H.  Scotland managed to find the net early in the third quarter but were struggling to contain England who dominated the game for large spells.  Ollie S added the only goal in quarter 3 despite England creating numerous chances.  Isaac D added a fifth goal for England before Scotland managed to claw back another goal at the death to make the final score 5-2.   

England U18 Boys Head Coach, Mark Bateman, said:  

"Finishing fifth in the 6 Nations was a tough lesson for us, especially with the losses to Germany and Ireland. However, the resilience shown in our victory against Australia, coming back from 2-0 down is promising. We have shown glimpses of what we can do and how we want to play over the 4 days.  The next development for us will be to demonstrate this on a more consistent basis.  As we look ahead to the Euros this summer, we'll use these experiences to strengthen our tactics and skillset.  Our focus now is on developing our squad and ensuring we are ready to compete at the highest level in July." 

England U18 Girls – Tonbridge School, Kent 

The U18 Girls hosted the 6 Nations at Tonbridge School, welcoming teams from USA, Scotland, Spain, and more. 

Match Results 

• England 5–1 Scotland 
• England 4–1 USA 
• England 4–1 Spain (Friendly) 
• England 2–5 Spain (Final) 

The England girls U18 were looking forward to their Easter 6 Nations competition at Tonbridge school, Kent. The teams competing were England, Scotland and USA in group 1 and Czechia, Spain and Poland in group 2. Each team would face 2 pool matches and one friendly match. This tournament is always an exciting moment for players and coaches to really see their teams tested in a 4 day competition environment.  

England 5–1 Scotland 

Game one of any tournament is always daunting but this group of young players showed their determination to succeed, scoring in minute 8 of the match with a goal from Isla C, followed shortly after with a goal from Elena B. Georgia H then put the team in a comfortable position converting a PC with a low drag flick into the corner beating the GK with pin-point accuracy.  After half time Scotland came back with renewed energy and started to make inroads into our strong defence. Despite this Emily B scored, increasing the lead to 4-0.  Scotland carried on putting the pressure on.  England received a green card which gave Scotland the impetus to create an overload and scored, Emily B then struck again to make the final score 5-1 to England. 

England 4–1 USA 

The USA was a fit, well organized team who England could not afford to be complacent against.  Again, England put an early stamp on the game with a goal from Isla C.  The USA scored an equalizer shortly after half time, but England came together showing what a strong team this group of players are, giving Lettie H to score 2 goals in 2 minutes.  This left the USA slightly unnerved, finding it difficult to gain any momentum.  The ball fell to Evie G at the top of the D who proved how composed she can be by beating a player and scored by hitting the ball into the top left-hand corner of the goal.  The final score 4-1 to England. Winning both these matches put England into the final on Easter Monday v Spain.  

England 2–5 Spain  

Before the final the team were playing Spain in a friendly.  Again, England scored early after 5 minutes with a goal from Elena B.  England then defended a sustained attack from a skillful Spanish team, GK Ruby M making some crucial saves.  Just before half time England were awarded a corner which was converted by Evie G.  After half time Emily B scored at the back post, one of our focus goals for the tournament.  The Spanish team were still pushing hard when England were awarded a corner which was converted by Evie Y.  Spain scored with 3 minutes to full time making the final score 4-1 to England.    

England 2–5 Spain (Gold medal match) 

England were well prepared and determined to do well in the match despite beating Spain convincingly the previous day they were aware that Spain would cause problems with their individual skill and high tempo.  The match was end to end for most of the first half with chances for both teams.  Both the Spanish and England’s keeper Ruby B were both on form keeping any chances created by either team out of the net.  England went ahead one minute before half time with a well taken goal from Isy K.  Spain then equalized 5 minutes into the second half.  England rallied, enabling Elena B to score and regain the lead.  The Spanish team were determined not to give up and they continued to apply pressure, equalizing 5 minutes later making the score 2-2.  One minute later they scored again, taking the lead for the first time.  Spain scored again making the score 4-2.  England rallied again with chances created by Martha B and Elena B both narrowly missing the goal. England head coach Brett Holland took off the keeper trying to create pressure to on the Spanish defence.  Spain counter attacked and broke through to score in an open goal in the dying minutes of the match.  We would like to thank Spain for a tremendous battle and a game played in fantastic spirit and tenacity.  

England U18 Girls Head Coach, Brett Holland, said:  

“Easter every year provides an invaluable opportunity to spend time together as a squad playing against international sides and getting used to U18 international hockey. The group this year came together exceptionally well and worked off the field to ensure they could play their best on it.  It was great to play against 3 very different styles and be able to adapt our game to suit.  It’s always disappointing to lose a final but credit to Spain they took their chances well, where we had done so the previous day winning that encounter.  It was a good competitive match going toe for toe, as both teams experimented for the European Cup in the summer.  The learnings we’re taking will no doubt put us in good stead moving forward.  Congratulations and special mention to those who gained their first U18 international caps and goals “ 

England U16 Boys – Tonbridge School, Kent 

The U16 Boys competed at Tonbridge in a tightly contested tournament, with every match requiring a shootout. 

Match Results 

• England 1–3 Germany (Lost shootout) 
• England 0–0 Scotland (Won shootout) 
• England 2–2 Ireland (Won shootout) 
• England 3–1 Austria (Won shootout) 

The Easter Invitational provided a fantastic opportunity for many of our boys to experience international hockey for the first time. With four teams showcasing different playing styles, the tournament offered valuable exposure and the chance for each player to earn three international caps. 

England vs Germany 1-3 
Our opening game was a tough test against a clinical German side. Toby B. opened the scoring for England with the first goal of the tournament, but despite creating numerous chances, it was Germany’s sharp finishing that proved decisive. A valuable learning experience for the boys, highlighting the importance of converting opportunities at this level. 

England vs Scotland 0-0 
In a tightly contested friendly against Scotland, England dominated possession and worked the ball well into the D. However, a lack of finishing touch and strong last-ditch defending from Scotland kept the game goalless. 

England vs Ireland 2-2 
Having faced Ireland previously in February, the boys knew they were in for a battle. Ireland controlled the first half and went into the break 2-0 up. But England responded brilliantly, with goals from Toby B. and Theo B. levelling the match. A competitive shootout followed, with England edging the result to secure a place in the 5th/6th place playoff. 

England vs Austria 3-1 
For many, this was their first international match against Austria. The team conceded early from a penalty corner but quickly found their rhythm. England equalised and then took control in the second half. Toby B. added two more goals to his tally, and Jake G. also found the net, sealing a strong finish to the tournament. 

England U16 Boys Head Coach, Harry Jones, said:  

“We had another fantastic week with the U16 Boys group. Four very close games where the boys showed great maturity under pressure and came on top in 3 of them. It was a pleasure to watch such a young group respond so well to the pressure. A massive thanks to the players, the parents, the management group, and Dieter Hill and the England Hockey team who organized and ran the whole event so smoothly. “ 

The England U16 Girls – Valencia, Spain 

The U16 Girls travelled to Spain for the 5 Nations Tournament, facing top-tier opposition from across Europe and the USA. 

Match Results 

• England 3–0 Scotland (Lost shootout) 
• England 7–0 Poland (Won shootout) 
• England 0–3 USA (Lost shootout) 
• England 1–3 Spain (Won shootout) 

The tournament was an excellent development experience for this group. It is exciting to see the group rise to the challenge offered by high quality opponents especially the USA and Spain.  

England U16 Girls Head Coach, Don Vinson, said:  

“This was the group's first opportunity to experience a full-scale international event, and they collectively relished every aspect. We learnt a great deal about the need to execute our highly skilled actions under pressure and under fatigue. We are grateful to Valencia for hosting such a fantastic event which will serve as a threshold moment for this group, collectively and individually, as we head towards a busy summer programme of competitive series” 

The squads now look ahead to their summer program. The U18 squads will head to Calais, France, for a two-match series before traveling to Kampong, Netherlands, to face Germany and the Netherlands. They will then compete in the European Championships in Lille, France, in July. Meanwhile, the U16 squads will travel to Belgium for their tri-matches with Belgium and Germany at the end of June, ahead of their Rabobank 8 Nations Tournament in Houten, Netherlands, in July.