The match is part of the second session on August 23, which also includes France's contest with Belgium and London 2012 gold medallists Germany against Ireland, and all seats for the three games have been sold.

England's women’s match with Scotland on Saturday (August 22) and both men’s and women’s finals are also close to selling out.

The news provides a boost for organisers ahead of the event, due to begin on Friday (August 21) and concludes with the gold medal matches on August 30, and has prompted them to put an additional 20,000 tickets on sale.

These include seats for the finals and for sessions which had previously sold out.

It is hoped the tournament will recreate the atmosphere of London 2012, with the hosting of the Championships providing a boost to the legacy of the Games.

The event is the first to be held at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre since the venue underwent a £30 million ($50 million/€37 million) revamp and England Hockey commercial director Jonathan Cockcroft is hoping the competition will help continue the sport’s development in the nation.

"Hockey is growing as a spectator sport, and this stadium expansion demonstrates that more and more people are realising what a great day out hockey is," he said.

"Not only is the action on the pitch fast-paced and exciting to watch, but we provide a fun environment for families.

"We’re confident that fans will have a great time at the Unibet Eurohockey Championships 2015."

England's women, ranked at number eight in the world and silver medallists from the 2013 event in Boom, Belgium, take on Scotland in their opening game before they face Italy and Germany in Pool B.

Pool A features Spain, world number one The Netherlands, Poland and Belgium.

England’s men, ranked at number five in the world, have been drawn in Pool A alongside Spain, Russia and The Netherlands, while Olympic champions Germany will go up against Belgium, Ireland and France in Pool B.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by clicking here. 



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