Alex Danson leads new-look England team at the EuroHockey Championships

The 10 O’Clock News will not be delayed this time, but when England women push back in their opening game at the EuroHockey Championships tomorrow it will be a fresh-looking squad who will look to produce headline acts.

The defending champions’ pool game against Ireland will mark one year since Team GB — essentially the England team — beat Holland on an unforgettable night in Rio.

Nearly half of the 18-strong squad here in Amsterdam will be making their major tournament debuts after a raft of retirements.

Forward Alex Danson, 32, has taken over as captain from Kate Richardson-Walsh — skipper for 13 years — until the autumn and will be the second oldest player in the women’s tournament.

Five years ago, three “star-struck” players at the UK School Games in London asked to be pictured with mentor Danson. Lily Owsley is now an integral part of the England attack, while Hannah Martin and Emily Defroand were handed central contracts in January.

The trio were all on the pitch in the one-off Investec Test against Holland in June as Danson notched her 100th international goal.

“It’s something I never envisaged when coming up through the age groups, to be alongside Alex and for her still to be playing,” said Martin, 22. “She is phenomenal, leads from the front and includes everyone as well.”

One notable absentee will be coach Danny Kerry, who guided Team GB to Rio gold. The 46-year-old suffered a heart attack during a tournament in South Africa last month and is expected to return to national duties next month.

“We dealt with it amazingly, the staff and the players,” Martin said of the incident. “We all came together as a team and we’re looking forward to having him back.”

England play twice this weekend, with 2013 champions Germany the opponents on Sunday.

Meanwhile, England’s men return to the Wagener Stadium, where they face Poland on Sunday, hoping to repeat their victorious Euro campaign of 2009.

The ticket ballot for the 2018 Women’s World Cup in London opens tomorrow and runs until September 6. Visit englandhockey.co.uk for details.