In the winter Spanish sunshine in Seville England’s men secured a confidence boosting victory over the Netherlands in their final competitive fixture ahead of the Hero Honda FIH World Cup at the end of the month.
Early set piece goals from World Young Player of the Year Ashley Jackson and Reading’s Richard Mantell put England in command early on before Surbiton’s James Tindall extended the lead in the second half. Dutch set piece expert Taeka Taekema netted a late penalty corner for the Netherlands but this was a well deserved English victory after a well executed, workmanlike performance.
In contrast to Thursday’s match between the sides, England began the match brightly, taking control of the game from the start. The efforts of Jason Lee’s side were rewarded in the sixth minute when HGC midfielder Ashley Jackson flicked home a trademark penalty corner high into the top left corner of Guus Vogels’ goal leaving the veteran goalkeeper with no chance. Incredibly, it was Jackson’s 30th goal for England in 43 appearances.
Less than five minutes later Richard Mantell doubled England’s lead from their second penalty corner. With responsibility for the set piece switching from Jackson to Mantell the 28 year old flicked low to Vogels’ left to put England two up.
After the shock of England’s storming start the Netherlands rallied as the half continued but not even Amsterdam’s Taeke Taekema could find a way through as he fired penalty corner efforts wide in the 14th and 22nd minutes.
Throughout the match the Netherlands struggled to break down the resolute England defence and England went in at the break with a confident 2-0 lead.
Less than ten minutes into the second half James Tindall put England firmly in command with the best goal of the game as he finished off a flowing move that swept down the length of the pitch. With Reading’s Jonty Clarke finding space in the left channel his cross was met brilliantly on the far post by the diving Tindall who knocked home to make it 3-0.
The Netherlands enjoyed the best of the remaining half hour but as in the first half, they could not find a way past a tight English back line. With three minutes remaining Taekema finally beat Cannock goalkeeper James Fair with a low flick to the goalkeeper’s right but the goal was nothing more than scant consolation to the Dutch.
Afterwards, England manager Andy Halliday said the squad and management team were buoyed by the result and the performance: “This was a great result against quality opposition in our last competitive game before we arrive in Delhi for the World Cup. Confidence is high among the group and we’re thoroughly looking forward to the different challenges the World Cup in India will present.”
Reading midfielder Iain Mackay again missed today’s match with a minor injury but Beeston’s Alistair Wilson played after missing Thursday’s 4-3 defeat. Matt Daly was also rested.
The squad will return to home before flying out to its pre-World Cup preparation camp ten days before the tournament starts. The Hero Honda FIH World Cup takes place from Sunday 28 February – Saturday 13 March in New Delhi, India.
Of the 19 players that have been in Seville, 18 will take part in the World Cup with a late decision set to be made between forwards James Tindall and Simon Mantell, both of whom are recovering from broken foot injuries.
England-Netherlands 3:1 (2:0)
Goals England: Ashley Jackson 6 (PC), Richard Mantell 10 (PC), James Tindall 44 (F).
Goal Netherlands: Taeke Taekema 67 (PC)
Source: EHB
