England squad announced ahead of 2021 WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championships

England Squash has announced the four-man squad that will head to the 2021 WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championships in Malaysia from 7-12 December.

Former World No.1 James Willstrop, who will be appearing in his ninth successive World Team Championships, will lead out the team and is joined by World No.28 Adrian Waller, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Declan James and World No.33 Patrick Rooney who will be making his debut.

The five-time champions will be striving for a podium finish once again and to capitalise on the silver medal they won in 2019 in Washington D.C. Historically, England boast a strong track record at the Championships having medalled at all 20 instalments.

Commenting on the squad, National Coach David Campion said:

“England has a rich history in the World Team Championships and I’m thrilled that the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia and the World Squash Federation have managed, under extremely challenging conditions, to stage this highly prestigious event.

"Whilst we perhaps don’t have the highly ranked players of previous years, when combined as a team, we will be a formidable force to beat.

“James is playing as well as at any time over the past few years and is capable of beating top 10 players on his day. Adrian and Declan have come into recent form and along with James, were both key players in the team which reached the final against Egypt in 2019.

“I’m thrilled to see Patrick Rooney step up for his first senior cap as an England player and the wealth of experience from the other players in this arena will be a massive support to him.

“Patrick is an exciting young player and having reached the last 16 of the last three PSA platinum events, he fully deserves his place in the team.”

Willstrop, the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist said: “It’s a real honour to be selected to represent England at the Men’s World Teams. Playing for England always feels very special and I’m relishing the opportunity to fly the flag once again and compete in this prestigious event.

“To still be playing at this level feels amazing given the uncertainty of the last 18 months, but the body is in decent shape and I’m thoroughly enjoying playing.”

Rooney said: “It’s a proud moment to be selected for England at senior level, and it’s definitely been a goal of mine.

"I’m really excited to play a part in the team and do my bit to finish in a strong position. I hope we can do the country proud!”

The biennial tournament will feature 27 countries with England facing strong challenges from Egypt, who are tipped to be favourites and France who will be chasing their maiden title.