Mark Pearn and Richard Alexander back into the English Squad for the London Cup
Surbiton’s Richard Alexander and East Grinstead’s Mark Pearn have been recalled into the English men’s national team for the London Cup which will start from July 12, at the University of Westminster Sports Ground in Chiswick, London, England. Both the players
replaced Harry Martin and Matt Daly, who have been introverted due to the fitness concerns.
The duo has been a part of the national side in the recently-held Rabo Four-Nation tournament in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where they finished at the second place after the hosts, the Dutch and ahead of Germany, the Olympic gold medallists, and Pakistan, the
Asian Games winners.
Mark Pearn, who had 150 international appearances under his belt, had decided after having talked to his wife, Holly.
“If I’m honest, there were a few expletives from the wife but we talked it all over. If it had affected our two little girls we would not have contemplated my comeback. But we have great support, from both sets of parents plus Wellington College in Sandhurst
where I work and I am loving it,” Mark Pearn, the 34-year-old seasoned campaigner, who had represented the English side in the Sydney and Athens Olympics seemed to be very proud as he is going to represent his country, once again, at his home soil at the London
Cup.
“Life has moved on. I have come back a different person. The game has changed and I am sure people who come to watch us this week will be surprised at how good a game it is and how good we are. But just being in the Olympics is not enough for me,” Mark Pearn
who is currently a player-coach at East Grinstead, further added regarding his comeback in the team.
He further stated that his team has the capability of winning the gold medal in the Olympic Games which will be held in London, next year.
The London Cup tournament will serve the English team as a part of their preparation plan for the European Championship which is going to be held next month in Germany. The English side had won it two years ago and this time they will take part in the European
Championship as a defending Champion.
The English men’s national squad for the London Cup now includes the following players.
Barry Middleton (c), Rob Moore, Richard Smith, Nick Catlin, Jonty Clarke, James Tindall, Alastair Wilson, Adam Dixon, James Fair, Ben Hawes, Glenn Kirkham, Iain Lewers, Iain Mackay, Richard Mantell, Simon Mantell, Richard Alexander, Mark Pearn and Nick Brothers
(goal-keeper).
The English team will start their campaign in the London Cup against Belgium today in the second match of the day, while the opening game will be played between South Korea and the Black Stick Men.
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