England’s women have been drawn against New Zealand, India and China for the 2022 Women’s Hockey World Cup between 1-17 July.
Based on the side’s current world ranking of second, they were automatically placed in the top position of Pool B at the ceremony in Spain, who will co-host the tournament alongside The Netherlands.
They were pitted against New Zealand (WR: 8), China (WR: 14) and India (WR: 9) for the group stage, with all the fixtures taking place at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
It will be the third time England face New Zealand at a World Cup, with each team recording one win apiece as England emerged 3-2 victors in 1983 before the Black Sticks gained revenge with a 2-1 victory in 1998.
England and India were in the same group at the 2018 World Cup in London, the game ending in a 1-1 draw. That replicated the scoreline when they previously met at the 2006 tournament, while their only other World Cup meeting saw England win 1-0 in 1998.
The last time England played China at a World Cup was in 2010, with a second minute goal from Hannah Macleod enough to hand them a victory. That continued their unbeaten record against the side from Asia, with England boasting three wins from their four meetings (the others coming in 1990 and 1998) while their fixture in 1994 ended 0-0.
The format of the tournament will replicate that seen in 2018, with the team that finishes top of each group automatically reaching the quarter-finals while the sides that place second and third enter a cross-over.
England will be hoping to build on their seventh-placed finish from four years ago and secure a second medal at the tournament after winning bronze back in 2010.
Fixtures (timings subject to change)
- England v India – 3 July, 15:30 BST
- New Zealand v England – 5 July, 18:30 BST
- England v China – 7 July, 18:30 BST
- Second/Third-placed crossover – 10 July
- Quarter-finals – 12-13 July
- Semi-finals – 16 July
- Final – 17 July
With thanks to England Hockey
