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Hockey: England secure top four position

August 13, 2024

The England U21 women’s hockey team guaranteed that they would finish higher than ever before in the Junior World Cup on Tuesday 11 August. Their final pool game against Australia’s Jillaroos finished in a one all goal draw, allowing England to take the top position in Pool E whilst Australia sat in third position.

England now has the chance to achieve their best yet placing at the World Cup which is currently taking place in Boston, USA. Australia on the other hand fails to progress.

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Hockey: England’s U21 continue winning streak in the Junior Cup

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Hockey: England U21 team restrict Koreans to a draw

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The pressure was largely on Australia throughout the match, as they knew only a win would gain them a place in the playoffs thanks to Korea’s 3-2 victory over India earlier that day. With a successful penalty corner taken by Clifton’s Harriet Pierce in the 8th minute of the first half, Australia was at a disadvantage early on.

A well placed goal from Danielle Schubach put Australia back in the running in the 27th minute. However, a draw was not enough for the Australians nor the English women, with both teams increasing the pressure in the second half, but leaving few goal scoring opportunities for either team.

England emerged the victors of the pool group thanks to points difference. They will next play the second highest team of Pool F, Argentina, on Friday, 14 August at 16:00 local time (21:00 BST) in the second semi-final. Korea, the second placed team of Pool E will also play on Friday against The Netherlands at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST). Meanwhile, on Sunday 16 August, Australia will come up against China for fifth place.

England’s Assistant Coach Martin Rodgers felt that his girls; “controlled the majority of the game. Although we were pressed quite hard, we played around the Australians very well.”

Before this year, the women’s U21 hockey team had only ever come as far as 7th place in Seongnam in 1997.

Imogen Jacobs, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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