ENGLAND READY FOR DUTCH ANTICS

EnglAnD will be ready for Dutch mind games when the two topranked nations go head to head tonight for a place in the Women’s World Cup semi-final.

Danny Kerry’s side are attempting to beat hockey’s powerhouse nation for the first time in eight World Cup meetings.

great Britain defeated the Dutch to win gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, but England’s last victory in normal time came 15 years ago.

Yet, for all Holland’s domination — they are unbeaten since that shootout defeat in Rio two years ago — the world’s no 1 side have shown their ugly side.

English members of the British squad have experienced Dutch players’ screams and stick clattering on tunnel walls in recent clashes.

‘They may do something, they may not, but both teams will be confident,’ midfielder Susannah Townsend said yesterday.

‘It’s like every sport, there will be mind games. They are a confident bunch. But if we look at ourselves, one of the best things we have is our psychological and mental attitude.’

England coach Kerry said the World Cup was Holland’s tournament to lose, adding: ‘It’s the no 1 female sport in Holland.

‘They have hundreds of thousands of young female hockey players in the country. If they don’t win things then there are real questions to be asked.’