Barry Middleton joined the illustrious group of EuroHockey Hall of Fame inductees during half-time of the mesmerising game between England and Belgium in Mönchengladbach. 

It follows an international career spanning 432 games over 16-years between 2003 and 2019, scoring 119 goals and playing in four Olympic Games. 

In 2014, he became the most capped English hockey international of all time when he made his 308th appearance against Australia. Then, at 33, he joined an exclusive club by becoming the fifth player in the history of hockey to reach 400 capped games.  

One of the other five is fellow EuroHockey Hall of Fame member Teun de Nooijer and fans in the stadium were also privileged to witness another in John-John Dohmen who became the world-record caps holder on the day, too. 

Middleton led England to EuroHockey gold in 2009 in Amstelveen, as well as captaining Great Britain at two Olympics, including fourth place at the London games in 2012. 

“Your exceptional achievements on the pitch were recognised by your country when you were made an MBE,” said out-going EuroHockey President Marijke Fleuren in the presentation. 

“It is great for the hockey family to see the impact and respect our athletes have in society. 

“His teammates will tell you that one of his best characteristics is his sense of fun and humour. This balance between extreme competition and enjoyment is one we all search for, but none of us do it as well as you did!” 

Middleton continues to have a strong impact in the game. At club level, he is head coach to a side that will return to the Euro Hockey League next season while he is an assistant coach with the England Under-21 team who are playing in Düsseldorf this week.