Shona McCallin wins maiden call-up to England senior team

Former Newark hockey club player Shona McCallin has been selected for the senior England women’s hockey team for the first time.

She could make her debut in the Champions Trophy tournament in Argentina next week after earning her place following an excellent start to the domestic season.

The 22-year-old will be part of the team competing for the trophy against the top eight hockey nations in the world.

McCallin has previously captained England under-21s to fourth place at the Junior World Cup in Germany and has also featured in Great Britain squads.

She said: “It is a real honour to get my England call-up.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I would be in the squad.

“It hasn’t sunk in for me just yet. I am sure it will do in the next couple of days but after being out for a lot of the year through injury it was unexpected.”

McCallin said she was looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in Argentina.

“I haven’t been there, never mind played hockey there. Some of the girls I have spoken to have said that it is an amazing place to play.

“There is such a great passion for sport in Argentina. I can’t wait to go. I just hope I can come back with a medal.”

The women’s tournament takes place in Mendoza from November 29 to December 7.

England’s women have been drawn against three long-standing rivals from across the world.

They meet Australia on the opening day before facing Germany the following day.

They complete their group games against the host nation on December 2, looking to advance to a knockout phase.

McCallin, of Dry Doddington, is currently training full-time with the Great Britain hockey squad at Bisham Abbey in Maidenhead.

Domestically she plays for Slough, who have enjoyed an unbeaten start in the Investec Conference West, winning eight matches and drawing one.

She graduated from Tilburg University, Holland, this summer having spent four years studying in Holland and playing for MOP in the Dutch Premier League.