The Dutch men's side will aim to use home advantage to secure their second consecutive European crown at the tournament, where matches will be held at the Wagener Stadium.

The Netherlands, who won the 2015 event by thrashing Germany 6-1 in the final, begin their campaign on Saturday (August 19) with their opening Pool A encounter against Spain.

Austria and Olympic silver medallists Belgium are the other teams in Pool A.

Pool B is comprised of Germany, Ireland, England and Poland.

The tournament gets underway tomorrow as the Dutch women's team take on Spain in Pool A, which also features Belgium and the Czech Republic.

The hosts were runners-up at the 2015 competition, where they lost in a shoot-out with England.

Scotland, Germany, Ireland and England are the teams in Pool B.

"We trained on the pitch last week and the stadium looks awesome," Dutch player Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel said.

"It's going to be a crazy orange hockey party; thinking back to the World Cup 2014 in Holland still gives me goosebumps. 

"I'm hoping that its going to be like that again. 

"Holland loves hockey and I think it's going to be a great tournament.

"Looking back now, my tournaments played in Holland are my favourite. 

"It has also been a while since we won a Euro gold medal so that's the goal. 

"To win gold in front of a home crowd."

England's team for the EuroHockey Championships is expected to include a number of players who were part of Britain's triumphant side at last year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

They will be among the favourites to prevail once again and retain their crown.