England women recorded a sixth straight victory at a EuroHockey Championships against old rivals Scotland to kickstart their 2025 campaign.
Goals from co-captain Lily Walker, Fiona Crackles and Lily Owsley saw England keep up their 100% record against the Scots dating back to the 1983 World Cup.
Tougher assignments against Belgium and Spain now await and while Scotland did have their moments, England managed to score a welcome three goals for only the third time in 15 matches.
Player of the match Maddie Axford said: “We wanted to go out there and display the skill we have as a team and connect in and around the D and that’s what we did today.
“Tess’ backhand to Lily on the far post and things like were what we wanted to show off today and that’s what won it.”
That second goal certainly set the tone. It came after England’s opener when Owsley’s fine central ball fed Crackles, who swivelled and struck low while going to ground and through the legs of Jess Buchanan.
A telling blow for the Scots was then landed by Howard on the left, who showed her powerful intent in the opening salvos of the second quarter.
The East Grinstead forward’s backhand on the move was drilled perfectly to the back post where Walker deflected.
Scotland did well to stem any further England momentum before they nearly came undone at the start of the third.
A crash ball from Grace Balsdon caught Scotland off guard as Howard latched on to the speed with equal aplomb but thrashed her shot inches wide.
WORLDSPORTPICS EWOUT PAHUD DE MORTANGES
Anna Toman then had to recover to swipe off the line at the other end.
Scotland won the first PC of the match late in the third quarter. Amy Costello’s slap was blocked, the ball broke kindly and a two v two ended with Ellie Rayer’s backhand saved by Buchanan.
England finished with 10 players after a 10-minute yellow to Flora Peel following a sliding tackle, this after a five-minute yellow to Sarah Robertson.
England scored eight minutes from time after a switched PC slip variation from Olivia Hamilton and a Toman hit into a crowded goal where Owsley finished.
