Hockey: Clewlow in a corner

England's last training session yesterday before today's 5th-8th play-off place game against Germany in the Women's World Cup predictably concentrated on attacking penalty corners in an attempot to improve their woeful record of just two conversions from 24 awards.

The dilemma facing England's coach, Tricia Heberle, is whether to recall the specialist corner striker Mel Clewlow or stay with Francis Houslop in her back three and move Kate Walsh into the central position in place of Clewlow. "We had been conceding too many corners," Heberle said, "and Mel was the first to put her hand up about contributing to this."

Germany have a fine corner striker in Denise Klecker so England will want to limit her opportunities. The rest of their attack is experienced and quick so having Clewlow, if she is on form, in the England defence could be important. Heberle has a difficult decision to make.

Although England have not beaten Germany since 1995, the Germans came into the World Cup a largely unknown quantity following their disappointing seventh place in the Sydney Olympics. Their form in Perth has not been outstanding, suffering defeats at the hands of semi-finalists Argentina and China and also going down 3-1 to Korea.