White set sights on Euro glory

HOCKEY: SHAW’S Nicola White and her England team-mates are aiming for EuroHockey glory.

England are in the final against Germany tomorrow for the first time in 22 years following a penalty shoot-out victory over Holland.

The semi–final finished 1–1 after 70 minutes and the teams were level at 2–2 after five penalties each with Maddie Hinch making three saves to take the shoot-out to sudden death.

Helen Richardson and Eva de Goede both saw their penalties saved but Alex Danson netted and a further save from Hinch put England through.

White tweeted afterwards: “EUROPEAN FINAL. . . let’s get ready to rumbbllleee!!! All @EnglandHockey fans get in front of your TV on Saturday and go crazy!!”

England head coach Jason Lee said: “I know we’ve had an up and down tournament, but I felt confident that they had some really strong performances in them and I think we showed that.

“Coming into this game I felt really excited to be with this group in a semi-final against Holland because I know we could do something special. I also think we’re in a great place to go and take the title now as well.”

It had taken another penalty shoot-out, earlier in the night, for Germany to beat Belgium and seal their place in the final which takes place at 3pm tomorrow.