Hockey World Cup: Adam Dixon in England squad despite injury

Beeston's Adam Dixon has been included in England's 18-man World Cup squad despite suffering ankle ligament damage while playing for his club over Easter.

The 27-year-old, who has 93 England caps, will continue his rehabilitation while the rest of the team play in a warm-up tournament in Germany.

Captain Barry Middleton is expected to become England and Great Britain's most-capped player at the World Cup.

England's first match in The Hague is against Spain on 31 May.

World number one side Australia, Belgium, India and Malaysia are the rest of the opposition in Pool A with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

"There isn't an easy game at a World Cup and we're facing some quality opposition in our group," said coach Bobby Crutchley.

"However I've seen this team consistently improve over the last 12 months and I think we can be contenders for a top two finish."

England World Cup squad:

George Pinner (Beeston), James Bailey (Reading), Henry Weir (Wimbledon), Ashley Jackson (East Grinstead), Simon Mantell (Reading), Harry Martin (Beeston), Alastair Brogdon (Wimbledon), Michael Hoare (Wimbledon), Adam Dixon (Beeston), Barry Middleton (Holcombe), Dan Shingles (Reading), Tim Whiteman (Beeston), David Condon (East Grinstead), Tom Carson (Reading), Iain Lewers (East Grinstead), Nick Catlin (Reading) Dan Fox (Holcombe), Mark Gleghorne (East Grinstead)