England target top four in Denmark

Head coach Ian MacCallum has set his English team a target of a top four place at this weekend’s EU Nations Cup Water Polo 2016 in Odense, Denmark.

The English team finished fifth at the annual U17 tournament in Prague 12 months ago after wins over Scotland, Denmark and Ireland.

But having been drawn against Wales, Malta and hosts Denmark in Group B of this year’s tournament, MacCallum believes this year’s 1999 squad can go at least one better.

“We are targeting winning our group that includes the hosts Denmark and fighting for the top four places,” said MacCallum, who is head coach at St Andrews University.

“Most importantly we want the players to enjoy the competition, and to use this experience as motivation to increase their training and continue their development.

“The EU Nations Cup is an ideal opportunity for the 1999 squad to experience an international competition as they start their journey to the European Junior Championships in 2018.”

England face Malta in the opening match of the tournament on Friday 1 April before clashing with Denmark later on Friday and Wales on Saturday.

Should the English side finish in the top two of their group, a semi-final match would await on Saturday evening before the final and bronze-medal playoff on Sunday 3 April.

England Girls’ 1999 Squad

• Naya Patel – Grantham & Hucknall
• Emily Pilkington – Sedgefield
• Emily Watkins – Bristol
• Jordan Parsons – Devonport Royal
• Fleur Kennedy – Warley Water Polo
• Sam Murby – Lancaster
• Ellie Muncaster – Liverpool
• Abbie Turner – Northampton
• Sasha Tinkler-Davies – Otter
• Frances Holder – Liverpool
• Lauren Richardson – Leeds
• Rebecca Lee – Manchester
• Jennifer Herring – Exeter