New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS): England head coach Bobby Crutchley said his team is confident ahead of its clash with India on the opening day of the Hockey World League Final at the Major Dhyan National Stadium here from Jan 10-18.

“We are confident to play against India and hope to start the tournament with a win. It’s always a pleasure to play against India in India. We are taking each game specifically and to be competitive in every game. We have not set any specific targets," Crutchley said Wednesday after his team's practice session.

England and India are placed in Pool A of the tournament with reigning Olympic champions Germany and New Zealand.

Crutchley said that they are taking this tournament as a preparation ground for the World Cup, due to played from May 31 to June 15 in The Hague.

"This tournament is definitely a preparation and a platform for the World Cup. We will take many experiences from here which will be helpful for us in the World Cup. It’s a rare occasion that top eight teams get to play against each other which in a way gives immense opportunity to the players to gain and learn from each other."