Leicester full back Crista Cullen and Alex Danson, the Reading forward, miss out due to injuries picked up at the London 2012 test event at the Olympic Park last month.

Cullen suffered an ankle injury and Danson sustained a shoulder problem while Sarah Thomas, the Welsh midfielder-cum-forward, is another who misses out due to an ankle complaint.

All, however, have been selected by Kerry for the Olympic squad.

Leicester forwards Rebecca Herbert (pictured below, in white) and Kerry Williams, along with University of Birmingham midfielder Susie Gilbert (pictured top, in white), are called up in place of the injured trio.

Canterbury midfielder Natalie Seymour, one of two reserves for London 2012, and Sam Quek, the Reading defender, were also selected for this week's competition.

Walker has since been forced to withdraw from the squad, and has been replaced by Sam Quek.


"Beckie, Kerry and Susie will replace Alex, Sarah and Crista who are making good progress in their rehab in time for the Olympic Games," said Kerry.

"The three replacements understand our play well and bring good energy and pace to the team."

The tournament, to be held at the University of Westminster campus, brings together world number-one nation the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Ireland and the hosts.

Great Britain kick off their tournament tomorrow when they take on South Africa while the Netherlands will face Australia in the tournament's opening game.

Germany, Britain and South Africa will all play each other, as will Ireland, the Netherlands and Australia in the preliminary stage.

On Saturday four teams will contest the semi-finals ahead of Sunday's final.

Highlights of the tournament will be screened on Sky Sports 4 with the final live on Sky Sports 3 – a real boost for British hockey.

Great Britain and the Dutch will, incidentally, cross paths once more in the preliminary group stage of this summer's Olympics.

"We will use the Investec London Cup to get good quality match practice in a home environment," said Kerry.

"Our pool opponents, South Africa and Germany, will be tough opponents and their players will be looking to nail down a place in their respective Olympic squads.

"We will continue to refine our play while holding back set-pieces and specific tactics that we will use during the 2012 Games."


He added: "We're thoroughly looking forward to playing in Chiswick in front of a passionate home crowd.

"If they can bring to the Investec London Cup the support they gave the team at last month's test event it will be fantastic."

There will also be a series of special events during the tournament.

On Thursday (June 7), Sean Kerly (pictured above, in red), a member of the British men's squad which won gold in Seoul in 1988, will share his medal-winning memories and thoughts on London 2012.

And, on Saturday (June 9), the England Hockey Board (EHB) will host its annual awards lunch, an event which will celebrate the best of hockey across the country.

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