Great Britain men and women sit bottom of their respective Pro League standings ahead of their London hosting, with a large squad of players both young and old vying for a larger bounty – Paris Olympic selection – over any global competition salvation.
GB teams have, however, played four games so far, with most of their rivals having completed 10 or more so should move up the table, with the men still in the mix for the title after being pipped last year. Meanwhile, Netherlands women are set for another title after 12 wins from 12.
GB’s campaign resumes after a five-month hiatus from when they last played in Argentina. Following eight matches at Lee Valley, GB will end their Pro League in Amsterdam against Germany and Belgium before Paris 2024.
GB men start their ‘mini-tournament’ against Ireland on Saturday, while GB women face USA, with Maddie Hinch standing on the stars and stripes sidelines as goalkeeper coach.
Across the 12 days, both sides will play India and Australia twice. The men’s team will also play Ireland and Spain twice, while the women’s team face China and the United States twice.
The men’s squad have been selected for the first four matches with Jack Waller assuming captain duties with Jacob Draper and Sam Ward as vice-captains.
Ollie Payne, David Ames, Zach Wallace, James Oates and James Albery are some of the names missing from the opening games.
Meanwhile Gareth Furlong, Henry Croft and Conor Williamson have all been selected in their first senior GB squad.
The women’s squad sees the return of Hollie Pearne-Webb after surgery earlier in the year and Amy Tennant also makes her return to the squad having not played for GB since Pro League last year.
Sabbie Heesh is still injured, while Jess Buchanan has been selected for her first Great Britain squad having been training with the squad at Bisham Abbey since March. Giselle Ansley is missing from the opening set of GB games.
