ENGLAND ARE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

by Patrick Rowley (30.8.2009)

ENGLAND 5 GERMANY 3

England beat Germany, the Beijing Olympic gold medallists, 5-3 in the final of the European Championship at Amstelveen to win their first
ever continental title.

Not only that but it was England’s first major title since they won the 1908 and 1920 Olympic titles before the days of Great Britain sides.

Playing hockey of such a quality, there can be little doubt that they will be serious contenders at the World Cup in Delhi next year and, in
GB colours, at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Germany, more experienced, went into the final as the favourites and that quality saw them leading 3-2 at half time and well into the second
half.

That England were behind was to some extent due to their commitment to attack and the ability of the Germans to get the maximum out of their counter-attacking.

England’s new corner striker Ashley Jackson scored the opening goal for England, the fourth time he has done so in their five matches.

Germany’s noted striker Christopher Zeller then replied in kind before Barry Middleton, a captain who led by example, restored England’s lead.

England twice went close to making it 3-1 but Zeller struck again and an unmarked Jan Montag put Germany ahead on 31 minutes.

That England now have strength in depth was one of their strengths. The game turned when three of England’s big guns were resting.

Two corners were forced and, with Jackson off the field, Ric Mantell converted both and England were ahead again by the 56th minute.

Germany forced three corners after that but all were safely defended. That England’s James Fair received the goalkeeper of the championship award was fully deserved.

His was not the only individual award. One should go to coach Jason Lee, who brought his team to a peak at exactly the right time; one did
go to Jackson, deemed player of the tournament at the tender age of 21.

It was Jackson who rounded off the scoring, converting a penalty for his eighth European goal.

The England squad was: J Fair, N Brothers*, B Hawes, R Mantell, R Smith, A Wilson, A Jackson, G Kirkham, R Moore, R Alexander, A Dixon, B Middleton, M Daly, J Tindall, J Clarke, S Mantell, I Mackay, A Brogdon*. Coach: J Lee. (* did not play in final).

Holland beat Spain 6-1 in the bronze medal match, the day after they took the women’s gold with a 3-2 over Germany.

England who lost to Germany on a golden goal in their semi-final, retained the bronze medals with a 2-1 win over Spain.

Their best attacker, Chloe Rogers, and best defender, Kate Walsh, scored the goals.

copy for Daily Telegraph 31.8.2009