EuroHockey Championships warm-up: England draw 2-2 with Belgium

FILE PHOTO: England came back from 0-2 to draw the game when Alex Danson(R) scored the final goal

England‘s women’s hockey team played out a 2-2 draw with Belgium in an international match in preparation for the upcoming TriFinance EuroHockey Championships, which starts in Boom, Belgium from August 17-25.

It was the Redskirts, who seized the early initiative rattling the English cage through Charlotte De Vos.

The Belgium eves did not allow England to assume control over the proceedings and soon doubled the lead through Louise Versavel for a cozy two-goal cushion.

The Jason Lee-coached England tried to regroup, but Belgium nullified all their raids and held on to their 2-0 lead at half-time.

Trailing 0-2, England needed a robust start in the second half.

The blue-and-white brigade reduced the deficit when Lily Owsley sounded the board – it was Lily’s first senior international goal.

Spurred by the comeback goal, England grew in confidence even as Belgium strove to hung on to the 2-1 lead.

Experienced Alex Danson triggered joy in the English camp when she breached the Belgium defence late in the second half.

The match was played under humid conditions as players resorted to water breaks midway through each half as temperature touched 36 degree.

It may be mentioned here that the England fought hard against the Netherlands men’s team losing the three match series 0-1.

England lost the opening game 1-2 in a keenly contested match.

They played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the second match and nearly won the third and final game before the Dutch scored a final minute goal to pull off a 4-4 draw.