Although neither of the England teams won a game, the sisters acquitted themselves well in what their father, Tim, described as a ‘sharp learning curve’.For Jamey, making her first full England debut, this was particularly true.For although she is more used to playing in midfield, the England coach asked her to play in a high forward role, which she coped with well, scoring three of the six goals her team scored overall in their four games.She scored in her first game, against Germany, on Friday, early in the second half when she powered the ball over the ‘keeper’s body, and despite her team losing 3-2, most spectators said this was a game that England could, and perhaps should, have won.In the second game on Saturday, she scored the only goal for England in their 3-1 defeat against eventual winners the Netherlands and on Sunday she scored again in a 4-3 defeat by Spain.In the final game, for third and fourth place in the four-team tournament yesterday, Spain held out to win 1-0.Meanwhile Beckie was the youngest player in the under-21 team where she played a holding role in midfield against a physically strong, and very quick German team.England lost 4-2 on Friday, 4-1 on Saturday and 5-1 on Sunday, with Beckie playing in all three games, before they then lost a friendly yesterday against Berlin’s Women’s Sports Club, 3-1.
The German club had Tasha Keller in their side – voted the FIH best women’s international player three years ago.She was, according to Tim Herbert, ‘awesome, in terms of skill,’ and despite England’s poor showing he was pleased with his daughters’ contribution to their respective sides.’I’m very proud; Beckie was youngest player in her side and Jamey top scored for hers.
They’re both very tired, but for the next few months they’ll be concentrating on GCSE and A levels.
After that Beckie will be aiming to play in the main under-21s’ tournament, in Dublin, in July.’
