The Olympic champions begin their pursuit of a successful title defence when they take on Belgium in Saturday’s (August 22) second session, with the tournament beginning with London 2012 silver medallists The Netherlands’ clash against Spain in Pool A tomorrow.

Hosts England, ranked number five in the world, then enter the fray in the evening as they face Russia in the same group.

The Germans, who will also go up against Ireland and France in Pool B, come into the event as favourites and captain Tobias Hauke is hoping they can live up to that billing when they return to the scene of their London 2012 triumph.

"It’s always special to come to a tournament as defending champions; we are hoping to win it for a third time in a row," he said.

"We have Belgium first up which will be tough but we are looking forward to it.

"It’s really fantastic to come back to Olympic Park.

"We did well last time we were here, so we hope to repeat that success again."

The women make their entrance into European hockey’s flagship event, the first to be staged at the venue since it underwent a £30 million ($50 million/€37 million) revamp and one which organisers hope will provide a boost to London 2012’s Olympic legacy, when Belgium take on Spain in Pool A.

Olympic gold medallists The Netherlands then entertain Poland, with hosts England, widely expected to have another successful tournament on home soil, taking on Scotland later in the evening in Pool B.

The other match in the group follows the hosts’ opening game as defending champions Germany play Italy.

Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh, who led Britain to Olympic bronze in London three years ago, says any one of the eight competing nations have the ability to lift the trophy come finals day on August 30.

"Everyone is feeling really positive and excited to be able to come here and play in front of a home crowd," the 35-year-old, who expects to retire from the game after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, said.

"It’s not often that happens and I think it will be brilliant.

"European hockey is so strong and the tournament will be of a really high standard - I think it’s just a case of consistency and who can put it on the line when it matters."

England Hockey has announced that their teams’ shirts at the competition will carry the Hockey for Heroes logo, a charity set up by two hockey players and former servicemen, Carl Woods and Gary Ryder.

It aims to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity, which was founded in 2007 to help army servicemen and women.


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