Hannah French: England hockey star pays tribute to medical staff

England star Hannah French has paid tribute to the team’s medical staff after recovering from injury in time to represent her country at a third women’s Hockey World Cup, which takes place in Belgium and the Netherlands later this month.

The 31-year-old ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last November and was expected to miss the tournament, but hard work and a gruelling rehabilitation regime have meant she has made it into David Ralph’s 20-woman squad for the finals.

“It’s definitely been a rollercoaster, but I am so fortunate that I’ve had all the support and help along with my journey – and I’ve had that World Cup goal to aim for,” French told BBC Radio Suffolk.

“It has been a bit of a whirlwind and it’s just been eight and a half months (since the injury), so it was a quick turnaround. Some of the exercises you’re doing you don’t feel like you should be doing yet.

“But having those people beside you, to support you and keep pushing you forward, is the reason why I am here, there’s no two ways about it. So, I am feeling really, really grateful.”

French, who won gold with England at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, has also represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games, winning the bronze medal match in Tokyo in 2020.

England are currently the seventh-best team in the world and have been drawn in the same pool as China, who are ranked fourth, as well as India and South Africa – who they play first, on Sunday, 16 August.

French goes into her third World Cup as one of England’s most experienced players.

“On any day, we can beat any team,” French said. “We’re playing top nations and getting results against them.

“We’ve got a lot of fresh talent, and a lot of experienced players, so I think that blend works quite nicely going into a major tournament.

“It’s amazing to be a part of – and it feels like there is a real momentum in this team.”