RAF Hockey Star 'Thankful For International Coaches'

England won the game against New Zealand by a two-goal margin, with Sanford playing a part in the first strike with a sweeping long-range pass (Picture: England Hockey).

2017 RAF Sportsman of the Year Liam Sanford believes his international hockey progression is down to the hard work of the England coaching staff.

The Senior Aircraftman was named player of the match as England beat New Zealand to seal a quarter-final place at the World Cup.

His impressive performances have been a highlight of England’s tournament and the RAF star was quick to thank the England coaches for his international improvement.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “It’s all thanks to the team and the coaching staff we have back at Bisham. When you first come in, the team are really helping you be yourself and to be comfortable in the environment.

"The coaches are always pushing you to be better and be who you are as a person and a hockey player in the team."

England won the game against New Zealand by a two-goal margin, with Sanford playing a part in the first strike with a sweeping long-range pass.

For him, the performance was a culmination of everything coming together for the team:

“We learnt from the Ireland game, Australia game and obviously the China game.

“We knew we had to control the game and that we had to play a wide formation. We knew when we had the ball we had to keep it and be quality on the ball.

“The team did that really well today. I can’t really complain. We just have to take that into the next game and hope that goes well. “

England’s victory meant a safe passage through to the quarter-finals but standing in the way of a place in the final four is Olympic champions Argentina.

While he is expecting a difficult time, Sanford is confident his England team-mates can pull off a result.

He said: “I haven’t really thought about it. Tonight, we just want to enjoy the victory and recover as best as possible. Tomorrow, we will debrief the game.

"There are still areas we can work on, even from today’s game."

"We’ll do a scout of Argentina and stick to our processes. It’s going to be a tough game but we’ve shown in the last two games that we can overcome those tough games.”