ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson’s first game as England captain proved to be a baptism of fire as they lost 5-1 to Argentina.

Danson was named captain ahead of the game and is one of England and Great Britain’s greatest ever hockey players, and has 99 goals and 272 caps to her name since making her international debut aged just 16.

The 32-year-old forward will also captain England in July’s Hockey World League in South Africa, then August’s EuroHockey Championships when England go to Holland as defending champions.

Danson said “It is a huge honour to be handed this captaincy for the summer and to lead a fantastic squad in some very important tournaments.

“We have a team full of very good leaders so in many ways I will be undertaking the exact same role as normal, and each and every one of us will give our all for the cause.”

In Danson’s first game as captain against a ruthless visiting Argentinean side, England’s Hannah Martin levelled things up on 22 minutes after Agustina Habif had opened the scoring.

Four goals in the second half of the game sealed England’s fate as Martina Cavallero, Magdalena Fernandez, Delfina Merino and Eugenia Trinchinetti all netted.

The new look England side will hope for better luck today against the Netherlands.