England's Men's Singles player, Rajiv Ouseph, has spoken about the preparation for the England squad, ahead of the European Mixed Team Championships (EMTC).
2017 was the last year that England picked up a medal at the European Mixed Team Championships, but you have to go all the way back to 1984 if you want to see a winning England side at the EMTC.
This year, England are travelling to Copenhagen with a strong squad to choose from across all categories, the strongest being the Mixed Doubles with Chris and Gabrielle Adcock as well as Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith.
Find the match plan for the EMTC here
What a feeling!
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist has praised the layout of the newly branded EMTC compared to the old style.
Ouseph is looking forward to playing for England and revealed that it gives a special feeling to wear the shirt.
- When you pull on that England shirt, you really feel the pride of playing for your country, and we’re already excited to have another opportunity as a team to show that on court in front of the fans, Rajiv Ouseph said.
- The new format of the event will mean it will be high standard throughout, but we know what we bring as a team and we know we have the genuine quality to compete for the title.
A different kind of competition
Rajiv Ouseph, England’s strongest Men’s Singles player, is looking forward to playing at team events and hopes they can exceed previous year results.
- As players, we always enjoy the European team events and go to Denmark with the strongest possible squad which, due to injury, hasn’t always been the case in past seasons, Ouseph stated.
- With the World Tour ramping up for many of us, and the YONEX All England being an event we looking that to peek for, the next eight weeks are busy for us as players.
- The European Mixed Team 'Champs' and all the spirit that comes with it offers something different which as players we appreciate, he added.
Buy your tickets for the European Mixed Team Championships from 13-17 February in Copenhagen, Denmark, here