Monday, February 17, 2025

Sophie Bray relishes ‘incredible’ experience of home hockey World Cup

England's Sophie Bray (centre) (c) Ady Kerry
Sophie Bray will be one of hockey’s star forwards at the women’s World Cup

By Richard Bright

Sophie Bray, the hat-trick hero of England’s Commonwealth bronze, says the team has a “massive opportunity” to now go forwards and lift the women’s World Cup for the first time.

England’s highest finish in hockey’s showpiece event has been third in 2010, while they failed to make it beyond the group stages four years ago.

However, the Olympic title and bronze medals at the Europeans and Commonwealths have given Danny Kerry’s side optimism as they head into next month’s event with a younger squad at Lee Valley.

We have a massive opportunity and we will go out there and try and grab it with both hands,” said Bray, 28.

“It would be a dream come true and unbelievable thing to win it.

“The World Cup is almost on your doorstep and the thought of it is incredible.”

Bray famously played the Rio Olympic final against the Netherlands without having washed her red GB kit throughout the whole tournament.

The story goes that after GB women beat Australia in the opening game, Bray found the washing system at the athletes’ village a tad complicated while her team-mates had lost items of kit.

Bray didn’t want the hassle so decided to wash the kit herself, but with a double header on the cards she ran out of time.

The rest is history as team superstition dictated that she keep to the same rituals, meaning a run of six matches unwashed.

Speaking to the BBC this week, she said: “The girls were pretty happy when the tournament was over.

“I’ve learnt that whatever happens in the first game, just wash your shirt.”

Hockey helped shape my England rise, says World Cup-bound Harry Maguire

Hockey Factory Shop

spot_img

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More from Author

FIH Hockey Pro League: England women take bonus point over India

After a 2-2 draw, England beat India in shoot-out to win...

‘Voice of hockey’ leads media recognition at Hockey Writers’ awards

‘Voice of Hockey’ Nick Irvine was awarded the prestigious Graham Wilson...

Remember the names! Juniors recognised at Hockey Writers’ Club awards

Four new rising talents of the game were recognised as winners...

Lee Morton and Sophie Hamilton win Hockey Writers’ Club players of the year

Lee Morton and Sophie Hamilton were awarded men’s and women’s players...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img