Hockey: Souyave's dangerous gamble

MAGGIE SOUYAVE, the England coach, has shown her boldness by including several talented youngsters in the squad for the World Cup in Utrecht, where England open their programme against India this morning.

No one can doubt the potential of 20-year-old Kirsty Bowden, who has been given the captaincy, or the talent of Jennie Bimson, Fiona Greenham, Kerry Moore and Lucilla Wright. But the squad's lack of experience could be exposed by seven games in 12 days.

England's plans have been disrupted by injuries to the experienced strikers Tina Cullen and Mandy Nicholls, who have been replaced by Sarah Blanks and the defender Lisa Copeland.

England should account for India before facing the Dutch who, along with Korea, are both Atlanta medallists. New Zealand and Argentina complete England's group.

Scotland's group is just as daunting. Their opening game is against Australia, the world and Olympic champions. They then face the United States, South Africa and Germany.

ENGLAND SQUAD: K Bowden (capt), J Mould, P Miller, S Blanks, K Brown, J Smith, L Copeland, H Rose, C Reid, J Empson, M Clewlow, K Moore, L Wright, F Greenham, J Bimson, J Sixsmith.

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