Gordon pleased with England U22 Women's efforts in Euro qualifiers

The team knew they were outsiders going into their Pool C matches against strong volleyball nations in the shape of Poland and Slovakia (Israel pulled out in the lead-up) in Puchov. 

And while results went as expected in terms of two defeats, Gordon was delighted by the application, desire and willingness to learn across her squad. 

“I was proud that the way all the players threw themselves into it – they were really gutsy against teams who were playing at a higher level,” she said. 

“We only had one-and-a-half days training time at Boswells (School) in preparation where everyone in the squad was together because of various other commitments. 

“Considering that, they came together and bonded incredibly well, so that everyone felt comfortable, whether starting or on the bench. 

“We handled Slovakia and Poland as well as we could, but if you look at the scores, we just couldn’t sustain it across the match. We got 18 points in the first set against Slovakia and 16 against Poland, but our scores got lower as the match went on. 

“The sides we played were above our level, with Poland in the top five for their age group, while we were well down the rankings, but we left everything out there on court. 

“No-one sung their national anthem louder, including the home team, which I think showed what it means for them to be playing for England.” 

Gordon was particularly fulsome in her praise of some of the squad’s more senior players, who helped to get the best out of the younger contingent. 

She was also pleased with the way some team members adapted their games to suit the way England tried to play.  

“The leadership of Daisy (Boardman) was outstanding,” said Gordon. “She brought the younger players with less experience into the fold and helped them. 

“The same was the case for Harriett (Philp-Edwards) and Lilla (Whittaker), who were other long-serving players from the pathway programme who were able to use what they had learned to help others. 

“We had good flexibility in the squad with some people playing out of position, but they worked with what we were trying to do.   

Gordon said that the trip had been a “valuable experience” for her players in gaining international game time and gives them things to work on moving forward. 

She added: “We have to look to move on our physical preparations – there are definitely improvements to be made in that area. 

“Slovakia, for instance, had two big players who weren’t necessarily as mobile or couldn’t jump as high, but they hit hard and won a lot of points. 

“I think we can improve our arm speed and power when ball striking, which can make a difference.” 

Gordon said she did not hesitate to come back into the Senior England coaching fold, taking over the role from Maria Bertelli in May. 

She is thankful for the help she has received since then, particularly ahead and during the Euro qualifiers trip. 

“I always like a challenge, so I was always going to take it on,” said Gordon. “It felt like I had got comfortable shoes back on. 

“I would like to thank all those coaches who have helped me – including Ian Legrand, Steve McKeown, Bertand Olie, Alex Chinery and Darren Lewis – which has been really helpful as I have eased my way back into it.” 

Images courtesy of CEV

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