A trio of Kent players have been named in England Hockey’s World Cup squad.

The World Cup, in the Netherlands, takes place between May 31 and June 15.

Holcombe’s Barry Middleton will captain the squad, while fellow Holcombe player Dan Fox has also been included, along with West Malling’s Ashley Jackson.

England are in Pool A with Australia, Belgium, India, Malaysia and Spain.

Head coach Bobby Crutchley said: “We’re facing some quality opposition in our group, 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.”

Between now and the tournament, England will face five World Cup teams as they continue preparations. This week they are involved in a four-team tournament in Germany, facing the host nation, along with Belgium and the Netherlands.

Middleton is set to make his 200 appearance for England on Thursday, when his side faces the Netherlands in Dusseldorf.

Following that game Middleton will only need three more caps to become the most capped England & GB men’s international player of all time.