Hockey:Herbert on World U21 stage with England

Wednesday 14th September 2005, 12:00AM BST.

ENGLAND’S ladies open their campaign for the World U21 Hockey Cup in Santiago, Chile, this afternoon.

Jersey’s senior international midfielder Beckie Herbert will be expected to play a major part as the team meet the United States in the tournament’s first match at 9.30 am local time.

All 16 teams will play on the first day, divided into four qualifying groups, with the opening ceremony scheduled for this evening at the elegant Club Deportivo Manquehue.

Hopes are high for England although they do not feature among the favourites such as their group rivals Holland.

Argentina and Germany are also fancied, but current world champions Korea are not expected to be the force they were four years ago.

England’s first opponents have little international experience and a comfortable victory is expected.

But the real test will come against Holland.

Zimbabwe are the other team in England’s group.

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