England hockey player Hannah French has recovered from a ruptured ACL in time to be selected for her third Women’s Hockey World Cup, crediting the team’s medical staff and rehabilitation support. Her return matters because she adds substantial experience to England’s squad for the tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The 31-year-old suffered the injury last November and returned in eight and a half months, despite initially expecting to miss the competition. England, ranked seventh in the world, face fourth-ranked China, India and South Africa in their pool, beginning against South Africa on 16 August; French believes the mix of younger and experienced players gives the side momentum.