By Glenn Kirkham of East Grinstead Hockey Club
Glenn Kirkham made 223 appearances for England and Great Britain and retired from international hockey at the age of 31 in 2013. Glenn competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games in Beijing and London respectively as well as Commonwealth Games, World Cups, European Nations and Champions Trophy competitions. Glenn won the European Nations in 2009 with England, defeating Germany 5:3 in the final and is considered to have been one of the most consistent performers to have graced the England and Great Britain sides.
What’s your general impression of the England squad and how its evolved since London 2012 ?
How do you rate England’s chances of getting to the Semi Finals ?
The chances are good. We have a number of players who have experienced semi finals in major tournaments and I know have a hunger for further success. Add to this a number of exciting young prospects and I believe the team are in with a good shout.
With Ashley, David and Mark in the squad for the World Cup, having played with them week in week out during the season, how do you think each will perform during the World Cup - what special things will they each bring to the England team ?
Not much needs to be said about Ashley. He's a world class player, one of the most exciting players to watch and has matured in to a real leader. Mark has a huge amount of international experience and has bided his time for his chance in a major tournament. He again is a real team player, a positive influence on others and has been flicking very well this season. David is one of the exciting young prospects in the team. I've been really impressed with him in his first season for EG, particularly as he's added a real goal scoring threat to his game. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action in the international game.
Other than the three EG players, would you pick out a couple of other match winners form the England team either “old” or “new”…
The spine of the England team is very strong with Pinner, Lewers, Dixon and Middleton and these players will be key to England making the medal matches. I'm also looking forward to seeing Tim Whiteman play as he is a player who has been in fantastic form in the league for the past few seasons.
Looking ahead to the tournament and reflecting on your own illustrious career, who did you enjoy playing against the most ?
As a player you always want to play against the best teams and in my mind that's Germany, Australia, and Holland. The new kids on the block are Belgium and they'll be a real force this time around. I have great memories of playing in the 2009 European Cup in Holland with such great support and for the team this time around to be playing in such a fantastic stadium - what a time to win a World Cup!
Specifically looking ahead to Saturday, do you have any perspectives on Spain ?
Always a very tough game, excellent individual players in a well organised team. Defensively very compact with a lightning quick counter attack. I expect only a goal in it but for England to come out on top.
Any final words / messages to the boys in NL ?
These opportunities don't come around very often and you absolutely have to make the most of them. If not now, when?!
