EuroHockey 2015: Everything you need to know

The EuroHockey Championships get under way at the Olympic Park on Friday, with the best eight men's and women's sides on the continent competing.

England's men and women plus Scotland's women and Ireland's men are in action.

England women were runners-up to Germany at the last tournament in 2013 while the men came fourth.

Women's captain Kate Richardson-Walsh said: "Everyone is feeling really positive and excited to be able to play in front of a home crowd."

BBC Sport assesses their chances, the star players and tournament favourites.

England men's chances

England's men won the European Championships in 2009, but have had a succession of bronze and silver medals at major championships since.

Many of England's squad will be boosted after helping Great Britain to secure qualification to Rio 2016 in Antwerp in July.

Bobby Crutchley's side know they can make the semi-finals, but the real test will be to step up and push for the final.

England men's star player

Ashley Jackson (left) had a four-week stint with Kent ice hockey team Invicta Dynamos earlier this year

Ashley Jackson, with 83 goals in 123 games, is England's record goalscorer as well as being recognised as one of the world's best midfielders.

Earlier this year he was top scorer in the Indian Hockey League and was named player of the tournament after captaining Ranchi Rays to the league title. As he prepares to join affluent Kent club Holcombe next season after 12 years with East Grinstead, his hockey stock remains as high as ever.

England women's chances

England women arrive at the Olympic Park with the majority of the squad fresh from helping Team GB qualify for the Rio Olympics at the World League Semi-Final in Valencia last month.

After winning gold in Spain and going seven matches unbeaten, they will have to handle the pressure of being one of the favourites for the European title, having not won the tournament since 1991.

England women's star player

Maddie Hinch (right) already has a bronze and silver medal from previous Euros

Maddie Hinch. The Holcombe player was named goalkeeper of the tournament at the World League Semi-Final. They only conceded two goals in seven matches, with much credit going to their 27-year-old stopper.

Scotland women's chances

The Scots are the lowest ranked team in their pool, but not the lowest in the women's tournament. They've proved they can stand up to England having pushed them close in a 2-1 defeat at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year. They were also boosted by a 4-3 victory over European champions Germany at the Euro Masters in Hamburg last month. They will need an upset to get the semi-finals, but it is certainly possible.

Scotland women's star player

Scotland's women have been beaten twice by England in recent tournaments - first in the 2013 EuroHockey Championships and again in the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Emily Maguire. The Olympic bronze medallist is a rock for the Scottish defence. In 2015 she surpassed 150 caps for Scotland and Great Britain, making her international experience a vital resource for the Scots.

Tournament favourites

Germany beat England in a penalty shootout in the 2013 EuroHockey final

Away from the home nations, the Netherlands are the Olympic and world women's champions, but keep an eye on Germany, who are defending their European title. The same two countries will be favourites for the men's event, though Belgium will also be contenders.