Hockey World Cup 2018: England vs China - 3 standout players from the match

#1 Liam Ansell

Ansell needs to continue the good work for England

Ansell had big shoes to fill as he replaced Sam Ward, who picked up a light concussion during training, and was the last member of the England squad to fly into Bhubaneswar.

The 25-year-old striker impressed with his ability to power his way into the attacking circle and exerted immense pressure on the Chinese defence. Ansell's ability to fire in the scorching tomahawks will be vital for England as they take on the Australians next week.

England may well have reckoned that they had all three points in the bag after Ansell displayed his remarkable poaching skills by snatching the ball off a Chinese defender's stick in the striking circle and pulling the trigger before any of the yellow shirts around could bat an eyelid.

Ansell, along with captain Phil Roper, and Ian Sloan were instrumental in ensuring that England never took their feet off the pedal as a result of which Kerry's side managed to enter the Chinese circle on no less than 22 occasions.

It's early days yet, and the result may have been different if Ward was in the squad, but Ansell's performance will help to instil confidence in an England setup who face an enormous challenge ahead.

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