2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup Views and Analysis
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 are your initial impressions of England v Belgium ?
A much improved performance from the Australia game, not only in defence but particularly in our attacking playing; much more considered and appropriate use of the ball.
Any specifics; would you care to call out anything in particular ?
Our individual defending in the circle and tightness of marking was excellent and showed that there was a real focus on this area of our game. Belgium played well and England contained them for long periods and when chances were created George Pinner and our corner defence were very strong.
How do you think the group did as a team ?
What are your initial impressions of England v Belgium ?
A much improved performance from the Australia game, not only in defence but particularly in our attacking playing; much more considered and appropriate use of the ball.
Any specifics; would you care to call out anything in particular ?
Our individual defending in the circle and tightness of marking was excellent and showed that there was a real focus on this area of our game. Belgium played well and England contained them for long periods and when chances were created George Pinner and our corner defence were very strong.
How do you think the group did as a team ?
It was a real team effort but I thought all of our big players stood up and put in committed performances. Ashley's goal showed how desperate he was to make another semi final - a 65 yard sprint to tap in on the goal line. George made some good saves at crucial times. Nick Catlin had his best game of the tournament so far. Barry took the ball under considerable pressure and started a number of attacks by playing through the press. Lewers was fantastic, and my man of the match, not only in his defence and communication at the back but to take a stroke under such pressure and flick it in the roof of the net demonstrated what a class act he is.
Friday June 13th is the semi-final against Netherlands. What are your thought ?
What a fantastic experience that will be for the squad. Playing Holland in Holland in front of a 20,000 strong crowd will be incredible and should push England on to an even better performance. There's no getting away from it Holland have been in very good form and look to be playing with a real freedom, spurred on by the home crowd. England do have a strong defensive game (albeit with a slight blip against Australia) and I feel they are in a good position to go a long way to containing the Dutch attack. We have some dangerous players of our own and again I'm positive that the boys can pull off a famous victory and get to a World Cup final!
Glenn can be seen offering commentary and expert analysis on SkySports throughout the Rabobank World Cup.
No comments:
Post a Comment