PREVIEW (By Uthra Ganesan)
The last time India and England faced off was in a pool match at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a game that had more lessons for both sides than the 4-4 scoreline would suggest.
After contrasting wins in their respective opening World Cup games here, their face-off on Sunday would not just be a virtual fight for the top spot in Group D but also a chance to prove they had definitively moved on from the errors of their previous meeting.
FOLLOW | Hockey World Cup 2023, LIVE Updates
At Birmingham in July last year, the Indians stamped their dominance to take a 3-0 lead, playing near-perfect hockey – before losing their collective form and minds to pick up a series of cards, playing with a man down for almost the entire second half and conceding goals on a platter. And with England declaring its intention to play its own version of ‘Bazball”, or attacking, a free-flowing, risk-taking brand of hockey, it won’t be easy for the host to come out on top.
SQUADS
India
England
It won’t be impossible either- Against Spain, India’s attack was sharp and targeted. The midfield of Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Akashdeep Singh was relentless in finding the gaps. The defence, of course, was the star, with players literally putting their bodies on the line and Krishan Pathak pulling off a series of brilliant saves to stake his credentials as Sreejesh’s successor.
But most importantly, India proved it had learnt its lessons and could hold and adjust its structure to shifting opposition plans in its 2-0 win against Spain without losing discipline even though Abhishek’s suspension in the crucial fourth quarter would have definitely been spoken about in the team meeting, as would have the missed penalty corners.
England’s 5-0 win against Wales might sound more impressive but the difference in opposition needs to be taken into account, as also the fact of the latter playing its first-ever World Cup. The aggressive game played by England would test India’s defence a lot more but also hopefully allow the Indians to run more freely. England’s shaky start in CWG was capitalised on by India then and taking an early lead would be a big advantage this time as well.
On the flip side, England fared worse with its penalty corners — earning 12 but fumbling 10, its main drag-flicker and top-scorer in the last one year Nicholas Bandurak failing to fire. With little to separate the two sides on field, the crowd would be the extra edge for India and if the opening game was any indicator, Sunday’s game is set to be a cracker.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Played: 21 | India: 10 | England: 7 | Draw: 4
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
August 1, 2022: India 4-4 England (Commonwealth Games)
April 3, 2022: India 4-3 England (FIH Pro League)
April 2, 2022: India 3-3 England (FIH Pro League)
April 14, 2018: England 2-1 India (Commonwealth Games)
April 11, 2018: India 4-3 England (Commonwealth Games)
When and where will India vs England Group D match of the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup be played?
India vs England Group D match of the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup will be played at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Sunday - January 15, 2023.
At what time will India vs England Group D match of the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup begin?
India vs England Group D match of the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup will begin at 7PM IST.
Where to watch India vs England Group D match of the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup?
India vs England Group D match of the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup will be telecast live on Star Sports First, Star Sports Select 2 HD, Star Sports Select 2 SD. The same will be streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar.
RELATED HOCKEY WORLD CUP COVERAGE
- What are the FIH rankings of teams ahead of men’s WC?
- Complete squad list of all 16 teams
- Which team has won the most Hockey World Cup titles?
- Hockey World Cup: All you need to know about the WC trophy
- Who are the top goal scorers at every men’s WC since 1971
- Complete list of men’s WC winners from 1971 to 2018
- Full fixtures list, knockouts, dates, time and venues in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela
Comments
SHARE