Nicola gearing up for ‘special’ Games

HOCKEY: NICOLA White can’t wait for Glasgow 2014 to begin after earning a Team England call-up for the Commonwealth Games.

Leicester forward White (26) will feature in a second Games showpiece, having been part of the team that won bronze four years ago in Delhi.

White, who will join fellow Oldhamers Jessica Fullalove and Jessica Lloyd in the England squad at the opening ceremony on July 23, said: “I am really happy to have been selected. It’s a fantastic event and very different from most other world tournaments, which is why it’s such a fun experience.

White, who has now won 118 combined England and Great Britain caps, will be in a 16-strong team captained again by Stockport’s Kate Richardson-Walsh.

Selectors clearly felt the need for change following the recent disappointment of finishing 11th out of 12 nations at the recent Investec World Cup, and there will be 10 debutants.

But White feels the squad is capable of at least matching the efforts of four years ago.

The Oldham ace added: “As ever we will be going in with high expectations. The main thing is to not underestimate anyone.

“A bronze medal in Delhi was a great achievement and a stepping stone for the team.

“But it’s hard to say how we are looking going into the competition. I believe we have enough experience, talent and belief to be able to get a podium at the Games, but we have to make it happen.”