Men's Hockey: Ireland's comprehensive, 15-match programme in preparation for September's European Championships in Barcelona begins with a three-Test series against England at Cannock, Birmingham, this weekend, with the first engagement this evening.

England then come to Dublin on June 13th, 14th and 15th for a return series of games. Then, Ireland go to Vienna at the end of June for a quadrangular tournament involving Austria, Switzerland and Russia.

July will be relatively restful before action heats up again with the defence of the Celtic Cup in Cardiff, followed by a flight to Barcelona for a prestigious meeting with Spain and two games against Italy to complete the build-up.

John Clarke appears to have rebuilt a side capable of regaining a top-six European rating. Indeed, a year ago in Manchester, Ireland's 3-1 victory was the first against England since 1949. Most of that team from a highly successful season are ready for a fresh challenge, and it will be hugely encouraging if England - though fully alert this time - can be fully stretched again.

One figure now missing is Lisnagarvey's ubiquitous and incisive attacker Julian Stevenson, who has retired after winning 76 caps (his first in 1994 and the final one against Italy in the European qualifier last July).

Also absent this weekend are John Jermyn and David Hobbs because of exams, and with Wesley Bateman out through injury, goalkeeper Charlie Henderson is poised for his senior international debut as understudy to his brother, Nigel.

An interesting recall to the 17-man squad is midfielder Ivan Steen (26 caps), formerly of Newry, who has been playing strongly for Surbiton, notably in the European Cup Winners' Cup. Making a welcome return, too, after injury is Nigel Buttimer.

IRELAND (squad): N Henderson (capt), C Henderson; J Black, P Brown, K Burns, S Butler, N Buttimer, D Eakins, G Elliott, M Irwin, C Jackson, E Lutton, M Raphael, G Shaw, J Sherriff, D Smyth, I Steen. Coach: J Clarke. Manager: S Hiles.