Double Olympic medallist Lily Owsley is looking forward to her seventh shot at European glory which she describes as “one of my favourite tournaments”.
A winner back in 2015 in London, she is looking to spearhead her side back into medal contention after an eight-year break and potentially qualify for the 2026 World Cup into the bargain.
“Having five of the world’s top eight teams competing over just eight days makes it one of the most intense and high-quality competitions in our sport. It’s exactly the kind of tournament we train for.
“Playing in my first Euros was an honour, I never imagined I’d be heading into my seventh. This one feels especially exciting. There’s something about this group, and I’m genuinely optimistic about what we can achieve together.”
As for the panel, five players named in the squad are in line for a major tournament debut while Sabbie Heesh is the other gold medalist from 2015 remaining in the panel.
For Maddie Axford, Katie Curtis and Martha Taylor, it will be a first major tournament and it will be a first Euros for goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard and Darcy Bourne who is back in the fold after injury.
Overall, there are eight players who played in the Great Britain side at last summer’s Olympic Games: Anna Toman, Tess Howard, Izzy Petter, Fiona Crackles, Sophie Hamilton, Owsley, Flora Peel and Miriam Pritchard.
Head Coach David Ralph adds: “The Europeans is always a fantastic tournament, full of high-quality teams and we eagerly look forward to the challenge and the opportunity that it offers us.
“We are determined to build on our recent performances and continue to compete and perform at the level that we know we are capable of, as we seek to improve on our recent results at the European Championships.
“Selection is never easy. Every player in our wider squad has pushed themselves and each to be better, and it’s important to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of those not selected on this occasion. Their impact is felt in the strength, cohesion and competitiveness of this team.
England women for EuroHockey Championship 2025: Darcy Bourne, Lily Walker, Anna Toman, Ellie Rayer, Tess Howard, Izzy Petter, Katie Curtis, Olivia Hamilton, Fiona Crackles, Lizzie Neal, Sophie Hamilton, Maddie Axford, Sabbie Heesh (GK), Lily Owsley, Flora Peel, Martha Taylor, Grace Balsdon, Miriam Pritchard (GK)
