The Hague, June 1 (IANS) After losing 2-3 to fifth ranked Belgium in their World Cup opener Saturday, the Indian hockey team are ready to battle it out against England at the Kyocera Stadium here Monday.
Going by past records, India and England clashed twice in 2012. At the first meeting in the Champions Trophy in Melbourne, India registered a 3-1 victory but the second time they lost 1-2 at the International Super Series in Perth. Since then, they only met once at the World League Finals in January, where India lost 0-2.
“England is a formidable opponent and we will be strongly challenged. We will have to move the ball effectively and this we will attain by utilising appropriate dodging techniques which will help to create opportunities if we are able to execute in a timely fashion,” India’s chief coach Terry Walsh said.
“Understanding the deficiencies in our last contest and applying suitable adjustments will be a big test. This game has significant importance and our mental preparation and resilience will be tested.”
Considering the rankings, England are fourth whereas India sit in eighth position. The positive for India is Saturday’s performance where, in a way, they left Belgium stunned when they took a 2-1 lead by the 50th minute. They will look to repeat their performance and strive to win against England in their second Group A match.
“We will take the positives from the Belgium match and apply it during our clash against England. We realise that they are ranked fourth but that will not deter us to go for the win as the boys are high on confidence post yesterday’s show,” India captain Sardar Singh said.
“I see them as more determined in their quest for success. We will keep a close tab on England’s drag flicker Ashley Jackson. He is a big threat, keeping in mind that he is one of the finest drag-flickers today.”