THREE Taunton School students are celebrating after being selected to play for England Hockey.

Ollie Drummond, Jacob Pengelly and William Harvey will now push for the opportunity to represent their country over upcoming tests and tournaments this summer.

Sixth former Ollie, from Taunton, has also been picked for the Under 21 Great Britain Elite Development Programme, despite being just 18.

He said: “I felt really happy when I heard the news as I was not expecting to be selected because of my age.

“I enjoy the team aspect of hockey. It’s great to work together and succeed as part of a team rather than by yourself.”

Jacob, 17, from Penzance, will play for the U18 England team and Will, 15, from Combe Florey, has been chosen for the U16 side.

Will, who is currently studying for his GCSEs, said: “I’ve been really focussed and have been training for ten hours a week so it’s great that all my hard work has paid off. I’m looking forward to all the opportunities this will offer me.”

Taunton School’s Director of Hockey, Elliot Foweraker, said: “I am so pleased for all three boys.

They have put in countless hours of training, sweat and sacrifice to make these squads.

“Ollie making the Elite Development Programme at such a young age shows the level he is playing at. He is able to consistently deliver excellent performances and is now competing with mainly premier league players.

“Jacob has worked so very hard and is now one of the fittest and quickest in his age on a hockey pitch in the country.

“Will, who lives and breathes hockey, has been pushing for this for years. It’s great for him to have his outstanding talents recognised.”