ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson has been named in England head coach Danny Kerry’s 18-strong squad for the Unibet EuroHockey Championships.

The tournament is due to take place later this month at Lee Valley.

The England squad shows just two changes from the Great Britain squad that secured Olympic qualification with an excellent display at the World League in Valencia.

Striker Danson, who has been named as vice-captain, is also closing in on 50 England goals.

She has 47 to her name at the moment.

Danson was part of England’s silver medal-winning team back in 2013, when the tournament was held in Belgium.

On that occasion, England were beaten by Germany in the final.

England open their campaign on August 22 with a group game against Scotland.

That will be followed by games against Italy and Germany.

England head coach Kerry is clearly a very hard taskmaster.

Announcing his squad for the upcoming Unibet EuroHockey Championships, he made it clear exactly what he expected from his squad going forward.

He said: “On returning from a short break after the World League, it was made clear to the England players in the Great Britain squad that the athletes who demonstrated focus and form in the lead up to European selection would get the ticket to play at the tournament.

“It’s been impressive watching the training group off the back of an Olympic qualifying period.

“They have shown commitment to hard and focused training.

“It is a testament to the type of resilience that is required during a very intense period of international competition.”