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27-Apr:
LJ sits this one one out
You may have noticed on the
team lists that second seeds he Netherlands are missing their
top man, LJ Anjema ... here's why ...
Everything's ok. I tore my ankle
ligaments about 6 weeks ago during a league match in Holland.
Recovery is going well but I can't play matches as yet. Just
slowly starting training on court again and playing a lot of
guitar!!
23-Apr:
Walker and Selby to make
England debuts in Sweden
 Alister
Walker and Daryl Selby will join Nick Matthew,
Peter Barker, and Adrian Grant in the England
squad for the European Team Championships in Malmo, Sweden,
taking place next week.
Walker has risen steadily through the world rankings over the
past twelve months, and after breaking into the top 20 after
Christmas now holds his highest career ranking of 16. The 26
year old, who will play for Chapel Allerton in the Premier
Squash League Final on May 5th, won the Midtown Sanctuaire Open
in Canada earlier this year, his third career PSA Tour title.
 Selby,
also 26 years old, has also enjoyed success on the PSA Tour this
year, winning the Comfort Inn Open in January, as well as
reaching the Quarter Finals of the British National
Championships in February.
England’s women have the benefit of an experienced line-up, with
Pearson selecting Jenny Duncalf, Alison Waters,
Laura Lengthorn-Massaro and Tania Bailey to travel to
Malmo.
England’s women are unbeaten in 30 years at the European Team
Championships, but will face a tougher test than in recent years
with the news that Natalie Grinham will join former World
No.1 Vanessa Atkinson in the Netherlands' squad.
 "With
James (Willstrop) out following his ankle surgery we are
probably under a bit more pressure than in previous years, but
we still have a very strong squad.
"Nick, Peter, and Adrian are all in good form, and Alister and
Daryl will be looking to make a good impression as it is their
first time wearing the England shirt. It will definitely be
great experience for them, a very different experience to
playing as an individual, and hopefully will stand them in good
stead for future appearances for England.
"It is certainly going to be a big challenge for the girls, with
Natalie and Vanessa in the Netherlands team all four of our
players need to be on guard. We have a very strong side, and
going on current form we are confident of retaining the title,
but we know it won’t be easy."
England National Coach |
 "Well
obviously I'm very happy!
"Honoured and proud to get selected and thanks to England Squash
for putting their faith in me. Lots of people to thank who have
helped me to reach a senior national team place, but main ones
who influenced my squash were my dad and then also Neil Harvey
and Nick Drysdale. Recently my strength and conditioning coach
Dan Howells has been a big help.
Then of course the ladies in my life, mum, sister and girlfriend
who always give me their full support, along with my little
brother.
"I'd like to thank all these people and everyone else who has
helped me along the way.
"I can't wait to get started and be part of what will be a close
knit team as we are all very good friends... and hopefully be
part of another winning England team!!"
 "Obviously
it's a great honour to represent my country for the first time.
What makes it even more special is that we represent a nation
with a great history in the sport and becoming European
Champions is the only aim.
"England has put a lot into my squash and it is time for me to
return all the efforts ..."
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