Hockey: Smith leads England's victory charge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The England women's team opened their European Cup campaign here last night with an 8-0 win against Italy. After squandering a penalty corner opportunity in the opening minute, it took England just seven minutes to open their account with Jane Smith scoring the first of her two goals with a powerful reverse-stick shot.
A similar goal from Rachel Walker in the 24th minute sent England into the interval with a 2-0 lead. Although England conceded a string of penalty corners resulting in several good saves from Carolyn Reid, goals came regularly after the interval from Anna Bennett, Helen Grant, Leisa King, Mel Clewlow and Lucilla Wright. A worrying thought for England's coach, Tricia Heberle, will be that her team scored just once from nine penalty corners.
Germany's women had opened the day's proceedings before a handful of spectators with an 8-3 win against the Ukraine. Later in the day Lynsey McVicker finished off a penetrating drive through the Welsh defence to score a 24th-minute goal with a cracking shot to give Ireland a 1-0 victory.
EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP (Barcelona) MEN: Pool A France 3 Russia 0. WOMEN: Pool A Germany 8 Ukraine 3. Pool B Wales 0 Ireland 1, England 8 Italy 0.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments