Bhubaneswar proved a neat bookend for England’s Sam Ward as he broke Ashley Jackson’s combined international scoring record on Tuesday.
With a deadly penalty corner strike, Ward notched his 138th international goal, according to the FIH data hub, as England beat Spain for a shoot-out bonus point after a 2-2 normal time draw in their latest men’s Pro League match.
Ward scored his first England or GB goals in December 2014 at the Hero Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar and shows little signs of slowing down.
Although there are conflicting statistics on other sites, 34-year-old Ward’s new combined international mark from 220 caps is a major milestone after a shade over a decade playing international hockey.
Jackson, who plays with Ward at Old Georgians, announced his international retirement nearly four years ago after a 15-year career and had remained England and GB’s top scorer with 137 goals.
On Tuesday, England had taken a two-goal lead thanks to Ward’s drag flick and, earlier, a first international goal from Jacob Payton.
But Spain rallied to level before James Mazarelo stood out in the shoot-outs with a superb selection of saves to deny Spain.
Ward’s goal put him on top of the FIH Pro League goals chart with nine.
They currently sit in second spot behind the Netherlands, although the Dutch have played three more matches than England.
