England squads ready for European challenge

The 18-strong men’s and women’s squads with a mix of youth and experience have been announced to compete at the EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach.

The EuroHockey Championships run from 8 – 17 August and is one of the most competitive continental competitions in the calendar with some of the world’s best teams coming from Europe.

The women’s squad feature five players looking to make their debut at this level while Lily Owsley will be competing at her seventh EuroHockey Championships.

Conor Williamson, Tim Nurse and Sam Ward return as co-captains of the men’s squad while five players could make their debuts at a major international competition.

The women's squad open their EuroHockey Championships campaign against Scotland (10 Aug) ahead of facing FIH Hockey Pro League rivals, Belgium and Spain, in their remaining Pool B matches.

The men's squad play Poland in their opening EuroHockey Championships fixture (8 Aug) before taking on France and Germany in their following Pool B matches.

Head Coach of the women’s team, David Ralph said: “The Europeans is always a fantastic tournament, full of high-quality teams and we eagerly look forward to the challenge and the opportunity that it offers us. We are determined to build on our recent performances and continue to compete and perform at the level that we know we are capable of, as we seek to improve on our recent results at European Championships.

“Selection is never easy. Every player in our wider squad has pushed themselves and each to be better, and it’s important to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of those not selected on this occasion. Their impact is felt in the strength, cohesion and competitiveness of this team.

“We are excited by the selected squad, it has a blend of experience and emerging talent, and above all, a commitment to play for each other and the wider group that we represent, and a belief in what we are building together. We look forward to a fantastic tournament.”

Head Coach of the men’s team, Zak Jones said: “Following some promising performances in this year’s Pro League and our recent friendly fixtures against Netherlands and India, I am immensely proud to announce the squad that will represent England at the 2025 EuroHockey Championships.

“Competition for places has been fierce, and this selection has been extremely difficult. The fact that a number of high-quality players are understandably disappointed to be missing out just underlines the strength in depth and quality we have within the squad.

“The tournament gives the selected athletes a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against the best nations in Europe.  With thirteen silver medallists from 2023 and some fresher faces, there is a nice balance to the squad as well as a real hunger to go one better this time around.

“We have been working hard on deepening our connections as well as the consistency of what we deliver, and I am incredibly excited to see us put our game out there by playing on the front foot with real courage and pride in the badge.”

Double Olympic medallist, Lily Owsley said: “The Europeans is one of my favourite tournaments. Having five of the world’s top eight teams competing over just eight days makes it one of the most intense and high-quality competitions in our sport. It’s exactly the kind of tournament we train for.

“Playing in my first Euros was an honour, I never imagined I’d be heading into my seventh. This one feels especially exciting. There’s something about this group, and I’m genuinely optimistic about what we can achieve together.”

On his selection, Sam Ward commented: “I am delighted to be selected for my 6th Europeans (shows my age). The Europeans is the third major and very special to be part of, we had some good success at the last one in Germany and hope to go one better this time.

“This one will be as special as any and a huge honour to be one of the co-captains. The boys are looking in great shape and after a cracking few weeks we are building some good momentum for the summer.”

Women's Squad

#2 Darcy Bourne

#4 Lily Walker

#6 Anna Toman

#13 Ellie Rayer

#14 Tess Howard

#16 Izzy Petter

#18 Katie Curtis

#19 Olivia Hamilton

#21 Fiona Crackles

#22 Lizzie Neal

#23 Sophie Hamilton

#24 Maddie Axford

#25 Sabbie Heesh (GK)

#26 Lily Owsley 

#28 Flora Peel

#30 Martha Taylor

#31 Grace Balsdon

#40 Miriam Pritchard (GK)

Men's Squad

#2 Nick Park

#3 Jack Waller

#5 Tom Sorsby

#7 Zach Wallace

#8 Jacob Payton

#13 Sam Ward

#14 James Albery

#15 Phil Roper

#16 James Mazarelo (GK)

#17 Stuart Rushmere

#18 Tim Nurse

#19 David Goodfield

#26 James Gall

#27 Liam Sanford

#30 Conor Williamson

#32 James Carleton (GK)

#33 Sam Hooper

#47 Ben Fox