The India-Pakistan encounters are understandably the most anticipated fixtures of the leg, reigniting one of hockey\u2019s most storied rivalries on the international stage. Both matches are expected to draw significant attention as the two Asian rivals meet for the first time in nearly two years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, where India secured a 2-1 victory. The head-to-head over the last 10 years is dominatingly in favour of India, who remain undefeated across 17 encounters, with 15 wins and two draws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India head into the London leg of the FIH Pro League following an encouraging campaign in the Netherlands, where they secured two outright wins from four matches. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side began with a narrow 2-3 defeat against the hosts before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over reigning World Champions Germany. India then suffered a 1-2 loss in the return fixture against Germany, but finished the Rotterdam leg strongly with an impressive 3-2 win over the Netherlands.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking ahead of the matches against Pakistan and England, India\u2019s chief coach Craig Fulton said, \u201cWe had some very promising performances in the Netherlands leg. We worked very hard in the build-up, and so it\u2019s good to see the consistency coming through.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the fixtures against Pakistan, he stressed the importance of staying disciplined, adding, \u201cFor us, it\u2019s important that we treat the fixture against Pakistan like any other game and focus on our processes. If we really do that well, then the result takes care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to the challenge against the hosts, Fulton said, \u201cEngland is one of the teams in form and playing well. Our squad is feeling confident and looking forward to the England block.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the fixtures against Pakistan, he stressed the importance of staying disciplined, adding, \u201cFor us, it\u2019s important that we treat the fixture against Pakistan like any other game and focus on our processes. If we really do that well, then the result takes care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s opening match in London will be against Pakistan on June 23 before facing England on June 25. The team will then take on Pakistan once again on June 26 before concluding the tour with a second encounter against England on June 28.<\/p>\r\n\r\n