Maddie Hinch returns to England duty 'a better goalkeeper' after Rio heroics

Maddie Hinch returns to international duty tomorrow for the first time since her Olympic heroics against Holland and has warned them she is a better goalkeeper.

Hinch repeatedly kept out the Dutch attackers before saving all four of their penalties in the shoot-out to help guide Great Britain to gold. Having taken time out from international action — to play club hockey in Holland — she returns for two England Tests, against Argentina and then the Dutch the following day.

She told Standard Sport: “Ten days after that Rio final, I was out in Holland playing hockey. It’s been a great experience. People have asked if I missed out on post-Games opportunities not being at home but it’s about becoming a better goalkeeper and I think I’ve done that in the past few months.”

Hinch believes England have their work cut out in the two Investec Tests with a new-look squad but she plans to instil a fear factor in her opposition following the Olympics.

She said: “You want attackers to feel the fear when they see you. That’s recognition for the hard work you put in.”