England’s U16 and U18 squads launched their 2026 international season over the Easter weekend with a strong set of performances across three venues in Europe. Competing in the Six Nations tournaments, the squads were tested by high quality opposition and made an impressive start to the year of international hockey.
England U18 Boys
Rakovník, Czechia
The England U18 Boys travelled to Rakovník, Czechia, for their Six Nations tournament, competing against Austria U21, Czechia U21, France, Ireland and Spain.
Match Results
England 5-0 Ireland (friendly)
Josh Higgin x2 (FG, FG)
Mo Hippe (FG)
Toby Balls (PC)
Tom Wheeldon (FG)
England 3–2 France
Ben Barnett x2 (PS, PS)
Rory Wallace (FG)
England 3-3 Czechia U21
Adam Franks x2 (PC, FG)
Ben Barnett (PC)
England 4-5 Spain
Ben Barnett (PC)
Jake Glew (FG)
Matt Haines (FG)
Lakin-Hall (PC)
England’s U18B side produced a dramatic and ultimately heartbreaking tournament, combining attacking flair with a never-say-die spirit that carried them all the way to the final and secure a silver medal.
The week began positively with a confident 5–0 warm-up win over Ireland on Friday, a performance that set an encouraging tone. That momentum continued into the group stage, where the U18 Boys recorded a nail-biting 3–2 victory over France. England had been pegged back late, only for England to secure the win when a penalty stroke was converted with just 30 seconds remaining. Later in the group phase, England were involved in another late thriller against Czechia U21. Trailing 3-1 as the clock ticked down, they produced a last-gasp equaliser in the final second to earn a 3–3 draw and, crucially, qualify for Monday’s final.
In the final against Spain, England looked in control after moving into a 4–1 lead. However, the game swung dramatically in the closing stages as Spain mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring four late goals to turn the tie on its head and take a 5–4 victory. Despite the pain of losing the final in the final moments, England’s campaign was defined by attacking quality, resilience under pressure and several unforgettable late goals that highlighted the team’s character.
England U18 Boys Interim Head Coach, James Bateman, said: “Overall I’m proud of the players’ spirit and the way they competed — late winners, gutsy performances and reaching the final shows real character. We’ll learn from the heartbreak, refine the fine margins and use this momentum to push harder ahead of the summer series.”
England U18 Girls
Tonbridge School, Kent
The England U18 Girls hosted their Six Nations tournament at Tonbridge School, welcoming Belgium, the Netherlands, Scotland, the United States and Wales U21.
Match Results
England 6–1 Scotland (Friendly)
Meg Parry (PC)
Isla Campbell x2 (FG)
Evie Whitehead (FG)
Bella Hinde-Smith (PC)
Nina Lascelles (FG)
England 2–7 Netherlands
Nina Lascelles (PS)
Evie Younger (PC)
England 2-0 Wales U21
Nina Lascelles x2 (PC,FG)
England 2-1 USA
Amelie Cater (FG)
Lettie Hughes (FG)
Match 1 – England 6 – Scotland 1
England started their six nations competition with a warmup match against Scotland, making a strong start but initially failing to convert their chances. The breakthrough came when Meg Parry
scored her first goal in an England shirt from a PC, before Isla Campbell added a second from generated space to fire a low hard backhand at the goal which was too good for the Scottish goalkeeper.
A well connected counterattack in the second half led Isla Campbell getting her 2nd of the match with a brilliant backhand delivery from Evie Whitehead. Scotland gained some momentum scoring a field goal to make it 3-1. Soon after, Evie Whitehead deflected home a cross from Sophie Osbourne, and a well worked PC was stopped on the line for Bella Hinde-Smith to tap in from close range. Nina Lascelles completed the scoring after a flowing move down the left.
Match 2 – England 2 – Netherlands 7
England took the game to Dutch from minute one going high press and gained the first circle entry of the match. However, the visitors won a PC soon after and even after the first PC was charged down and the second was stopped on the line, the rebounders got their first, to score after 7 mins. They continued to trade blows but with mistakes were ruthlessly capitalised on England found themselves 3:0 down at quarter time. The resolve and resilience were tested and the team rallied well continuing to attack and create attacks and PCs. It was the Dutch who were more clinical and England went in 5:0 at halftime.
Spirit was galvanised and were rewarded in the second half with 2 goals. The first chance came when a penalty stroke was awarded which Nina Lascelles converted to make the score 5-1. After 7 previous attempts the 8th PC was converted with perfectly placed ball from Evie Younger. 2 more PCs came but no goals, however a Dutch flick wasn’t quite stopped by the post player and rolled in. Despite the Dutch only having a handful more chances they were incredibly clinical and ran out 7:2 winners.
Match 3 England 2 – Wales U21 0
The game was a story of resilience, perseverance and sticking to the processes. The Welsh team defended deep and doggedly. England mounted lots of pressure with 16 circle entries and getting 4 shots and 2 PCs they weren’t able to break the deadlock. Similar story in quarter 2 with 5 PCAs but still the Welsh held strong despite some nice flowing attacks.
The deadlock was broken by a penalty corner strike from Nina Lascelles. Ten minutes later Nina found herself on the shoulder of the D and struck the ball cleanly across the goal to find the far corner of the goal.
Match 4 England 2 – USA 1
The playoff match for 3rd and 4th place in the competition was against the USA. True to form the USA we straight out of the blocks, running hard and working off the ball for each other, scoring their goal after 6 minutes.
The game ebbed and flowed with England struggling to find their flow but still creating chances. England timed their comeback goal well scoring straight from halftime with a well worked move and scored again just before Q3 time. USA pulled their GK but England held on well to secure 3rd spot.
England U18 Girls Head Coach, Brett Holland, said: “So much learning on this camp. The players were truly fantastic on and particularly off pitch. Their commitment to getting better and supporting each other was really impressive, giving lots of positivity for the rest of the cycle, as we start to prepare for our summer competitions. To be the best, you have to play the best, and it was great to see how they channeled their disappointment and really came together to understand where we competed and where we didn’t match the relentlessness and ruthlessness needed for top junior international hockey.”
England U16 Boys
Frankfurt, Germany
The England U16 Boys travelled to Frankfurt for their first experience of a competitive international tournament, playing against Germany, Scotland, Poland, Canada U18 and the Netherlands.
Match Results
England 3-3 Scotland (Won Penalty Shoot Out 3-2)
Ali Broadwith x 2 (FG & FG)
Josh Hinde Smith x 1 (PC)
Player of the Match Ali Broadwith
England 1–6 Germany (Won the Penalty Shoot Out 4-3)
Barney Gale x 1 (PC)
Player of the Match Harry Bostelmann
England 1-1 Poland U18 (Lost the Penalty Shoot Out 1-2)
Miles Sealey x 1 (FG)
Player of the Match Miles Sealey
England 2-0 Canada U18s (Won the Penalty Shoot Out 3-2)
Barney Gale x 1 (PC)
Josh Hinde Smith x 1 (PC)
Player of the Match Sam Greayer Smith
The U16 Six Nations Tournament in Frankfurt, Germany was a fantastic showcase of skill, teamwork, and growth. The boys delivered impressive performances against the Scottish Merging Squad, Germany U16, Poland, and Canada U18’s, demonstrating resilience and adaptability throughout.
Each match brought out wonderful moments both in and out of possession, with players proving their technical precision and tactical awareness under pressure.
Their ability to learn from each encounter and adjust to the contrasting styles of opposition highlighted their maturity and commitment to development.
Confidence grew visibly across the tournament, as individuals and the team refined their decision-making and execution.
Beyond results, the experience was invaluable—players embraced challenges, supported one another, and represented their country with pride and professionalism. The tournament not only tested their abilities but also strengthened their belief in what they can achieve together.
England U16 Girls
Tonbridge School, Kent
The England U16 Girls also hosted their Six Nations tournament at Tonbridge School, welcoming Belgium, the Netherlands, Scotland, the United States and France U17.
Match Results
England 3–1 France U17 (Friendly)
Pip Lucas (FG)
Caitlin White (FG)
Eva Franks-Martin (PS)
England 2–0 Netherlands
Phoebe Geoghegan (FG)
Summer Risely (FG)
England 1-3 Scotland
England 5-0 Belgium
Daisy Fox (PC)
Caitlin White (FG)
Erin Tuffield (PC, FG)
Saya Murase (FG)
England U16 Girls Head Coach, Don Vinson, said: “For the vast majority of the girls in the squad, this was their first experience of a junior international tournament and their first exposure to playing against some of the strongest teams in Europe. Understandably, this tournament offered immense learning potential; there is no question that we traversed a rollercoaster of developmental experiences.
“As we reflected as a group at the end of the event, we highlighted several key aspects that underpinned what went brilliantly. These same points also represented the areas we did not execute well enough in our loss to Scotland.
“Firstly, the collective intensity, work rate, and technical execution under pressure required in team pressing is fundamental. To repeatedly sprint, retain forehand pressure, and do so proactively for the entirety of the game was the foundation that helped us beat the Dutch 2-0 for the first time in many years. It was an outstanding performance that featured exceptional decision-making and execution of basic skills under extreme pressure. Indeed, the difference between the Dutch victory and the Scottish frustration was largely evident in the group’s ability to retain a high tempo, utilize minimal touches, dynamically receive the ball, and move it on with accuracy before sprinting to new space.
“As is often the case with these tournaments, the group built on their sense of community considerably. They recognized the importance of supporting one another, celebrating small wins, and embracing a collective ‘challenge’ mindset to help each other be the very best they could be.
“Bouncing back from the Scotland game, the group’s performance against Belgium was outstanding. Again, collective intensity, simple use of the ball, and ‘loud’ vocal support for one another were the foundations through which the team delivered an exceptional performance and our biggest win over Belgium in years.”
The squads now turn their attention to the summer programme, including a series in the Netherlands followed by fixtures in Germany. In July, the squads will compete in the Summer Eight Nations tournaments. The Under 18 teams will travel to Alcala la Real and Granada in Spain, the Under 16 Boys will head to Walcz in Poland and the Under 16 Girls will travel to Cork in Ireland.
