THREE Canterbury Hockey Club players have been called up to represent England in the women’s World Cup, which starts in Australia next month.

Defender Mel Clewlow and forwards Anna Bennett and Frances Houslop have all been named in an 18-strong England squad for the Perth tournament which runs from November 24 to December 9.

Clewlow and Bennett, both 26, have played in previous world cups, but this is the first for 20-year-old Houslop, one of the youngest members of the squad.

England were ninth in Holland four years ago, and are presently ranked seventh in the world, having been beaten finalists in this year’s Commonwealth Games final.

Their eight-strong qualifying group includes Australia, Holland and Spain, all of whom are ranked higher.

The 1998 World Cup was Clewlow’s first senior international tournament and the Canterbury skipper, who now has 125 caps, is looking forward to an improved performance this time out.

“I think our group suits us because we’ve avoided the quality Asian teams,” she said.