England hockey athlete Hannah French has praised the medical staff for her successful return to fitness ahead of her third appearance at the Women’s Hockey World Cup, set to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. After suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament last November, the 31-year-old was initially sidelined. However, a rigorous rehabilitation program allowed her to join David Ralph’s final 20-woman roster.
French described the recovery as a difficult journey but emphasized that the constant support from her medical team provided the necessary motivation. Having previously secured a Commonwealth Games gold medal and an Olympic bronze in Tokyo, the experienced midfielder remains optimistic about England’s prospects. Currently ranked seventh globally, England will face China, India, and South Africa in their group, beginning their campaign against South Africa on August 16.
As she prepares for the upcoming tournament, French expressed confidence in the team’s composition, citing a balance between emerging talent and seasoned veterans. She believes the current squad possesses the capability to defeat top-tier opponents and is building significant momentum ahead of the competition.
