Belgium swept by the challenge of Italy to start off their European challenge in confident mood with a 6-0 win.

Michelle Struijk opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a penalty corner scramble and Abi Raye produced a top corner rocket for a 2-0 half-time lead.

It stayed that way until the final 11 minutes when Charlotte Englebert scored a penalty stroke and she would later get another from a corner at the injection spot.

The fourth came from Emma Puvrez and Stephanie Vanden Borre completed the win with a direct drag-flick.

“It’s a good start to the tournament, winning 6-0 against a decent side and we are ready for the next game coming up,” said player of the match Emily White.

“Italy did a good job. We know they are a good side at defending in their own 25 so we did well to keep pushing until the last minute and score a few goals.”

She is among a few teenagers in their line-up and says the more experienced Red Panthers have made it easy to develop in the side. 

“I have learned so much from these guys; they have so much talent and I can learn from their experience in their preparation for this stage.” 

As for objectives for the event: “We would like to get to the final and then win that game! We play it game-by-game, pushing to win!”

Women’s Pool A: Belgium 6 (C Englebert 2, M Struijk, A Raye, E Puvrez, S Vanden Borre) Italy 0