RACHEL Walker is set to star in the Commonwealth Games next month after winning a place in the England hockey squad.

The 23-year-old, from Worcester, has been named in a 16-strong squad which includes seven silver medallists from the 1998 Kuala Lumpur tournament.

Walker, who already has 26 senior international caps to her name, will take her place in the side to face New Zealand on July 26 in Manchester before England face other pool 2 games against Canada and India.

And the Olton star who plays her hockey in the Women's Premier Division is eyeing a semi-final place at least for the home nation.

"I think the home crowd will make a difference and we are looking at a semi-final place at least," she said.

"It's absolutely massive for me. It's something I've been preparing for for more than a year and it makes it special because it is in your own country. We have a good side and with the home crowd, we are confident going into the tournament."

The Commonwealth Games, however, will be a mere taster to the real event on the horizon later this year. Walker looks a certainty to travel to the World Cup in Perth, Australia in November.

"It's a big year for me and it's very exciting," she added.