Hockey: Souyave keeps faith in youth

England start their campaign here this afternoon against Canada in their World Cup qualifier with two good wins against the Canadians behind them this year - just last month they won 4-0 in Seoul.

Coach Maggie Souyave has held faith with the young players she has been blooding since she took over three years ago. Five players in the squad here in Harare are under 21 and are set to play a prominent role in England's efforts to qualify for next year's World Cup in Utrecht.

England, who have been here for the past 10 days to acclimatise, arrived to find their hotel commandeered by the government and were billeted with private families for the first three days. They have put in some good practice, however, including training games against Spain and a visiting Australian Institute of Sport.

After Canada they play India and then on Monday they face what could be their most difficult game, against Ireland.

The Irish have had some impressive results during their build-up, including a 2-0 win against Scotland and a goalless draw with Spain. Captain Jeanette Turner is back from injury but they will be without the injured Laura Brown.

ENGLAND SQUAD (World Cup qualifying tournament, Harare): M Davies (capt), J Sixsmith, H Rose, T Cullen, C Reid, K Brown, M Nicholls, J Smith, L Copeland, C Voss, L Wright, P Miller, J Empson, D Marston-Smith, J Mould, K Bowden.

SCOTLAND SQUAD: P Robertson (capt), S Fraser, S MacDonald, L Burton, C Corcoran, A Denholm, S Gilmour, A Grant, J Jack, S Lawrie, V Neil, F McInnes, D Renilson, T Robb, R Simpson, H Walker.

IRELAND SQUAD: J Turner (capt), S Kelleher, A Vance, S Hutchinson, J Burke, C Craig, C Devine, K Humphries, R Kohler, M Logue, C McMahon, L McVicker, C O'Kelly, M O'Sullivan, J Stewart, A Thompson.