Hockey World Cup 2023: England favourites towards debutant Wales

Whereas all of the eyes are on India’s World Cup opener within the late push-off, England and Wales might be tasked with warming up the group within the first-ever sport on the Birsa Munda Worldwide Hockey Stadium in a Group D conflict right here on Friday.

England would be the favourites towards the match debutant, Wales, which is staking a spot for itself among the many giants of the hockey world. There’s sure to be some familiarity as they line up on the nationwide anthem with the gamers coming collectively for his or her membership sides and the Nice Britain program.

Wales co-captain Rupert Shipperley was a part of the latest Professional League marketing campaign with Staff GB, which is undefeated in its 4 matches earlier than the World Cup. Jacob Draper is the opposite participant who has been concerned with Staff GB previously.

England coach Paul Revington stated, “Great Britain is always a unique entity. Everyone’s in the same locker room one week and then they’re playing against each other. We have full respect for all the Welsh players.”

Practically each Wales participant or workers spoken to on the match eve has reiterated that they’re ‘not here to make up the numbers.’

“We want to give our best to win the games. We are here to entertain and win hockey games. There is no pressure on us,” stated Wales head coach Danny Newcombe.

Whereas Newcombe described the staff’s model as a system-based strategy, he might want to devise a plan to thwart England’s robust midfield and assault. Wales will depend on defender Gareth Furlong’s drag-flick potential as the important thing supply of targets.

Ahead Nick Bandurak, a late-bloomer on the worldwide stage, would be the scoring menace and is the penalty nook specialist. Wales’ huge ask might be to stifle the English creativity from the midfielders Zach Wallace, Phil Roper and Sam Ward.