Ipswich’s George Pinner captained England twice on their recent tour of South Africa.

The ex-Ipswich School pupil led Bobby Crutchley’s side, ahead of World Cup qualification at the Hockey World League, in London, this summer.

England earned a very pleasing 5-2 win against Germany to end their trip in fine style, on Wednesday.

The overall experience for the side has been a positive one, with 11 players making their England debuts.

With a number of players missing through injury, and the likes of Barry Middleton and Adam Dixon unavailable following the Hockey India League, the three wins in six days – including the 5-2 win against a German side who won bronze in Rio – were especially pleasing.

England head coach Crutchley said, “It was a great way to finish the trip. I thought we really learned a lot from the performance and how we pitted ourselves against the German side.”