Spain are our first Pool A opponents in the World Cup on Saturday and we are hoping to hit the ground running in The Hague after an encouraging build up.

Having played the likes of Australia – ranked the No.1 side in the world – and defending champions Germany, we know we can match anyone. Having said that, we are certainly not expecting an easy ride in The Netherlands.

Australia are in our group, along with the Spanish, Belgium, India and Malaysia. The Aussies, I’m sure, don’t like playing us.

We make it uncomfortable for them and in the back of their minds will be our 2-1 victory earlier on this year at the inaugural Hockey World League Final in India – and that win secured us bronze.

The England camp certainly feel well prepared after an intensive few weeks and a number of us are used to playing at major tournaments, so now we are just raring to go.

My mum will be coming out to watch us, which will spur me on. Unfortunately, dad is working so can’t travel to Holland but the great thing is he can catch all the games on Sky Sports, as they are covering the whole tournament which is fantastic for hockey in England.

My parents have been supportive over my career, so I hope we can do them proud.

NOW: Pensions are one of the UK’s leading auto enrolment pension providers and the proud partner of England and Great Britain Men’s Hockey. Follow @NOWhockey or go www.nowpensions.com

Read the full column in Friday's Medway Messenger