England star Hannah French has paid tribute to the team's medical staff after recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last November and making the squad for the upcoming women's Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The 31‑year‑old, who was expected to miss the tournament, says hard work and a gruelling rehabilitation regime have brought her back in time. "It has been a whirlwind and it's just been eight and a half months since the injury, so it was a quick turnaround," she told BBC Radio Suffolk.

French, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 and represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games 2020, credits the medical staff for keeping her on course. "Having those people beside you, to support you and keep pushing you forward, is the reason why I am here," she said.

England, currently seventh‑best in the world, face China, India and South Africa in their pool. French hopes the blend of fresh talent and experience will carry them through the tournament.