Jason Lee's side have risen steadily through the world rankings to fourth and believe that they can beat anyone this summer.

"I think any team or athlete ranked fourth in the world has a massive opportunity to medal in the Games and, of course, we're no different," Mantell, who has made 83 appearances for his country, told insidethegames.

"We've proved in tournaments in the past that we are at a level to push for medals in world events.

"We're very confident and excited about the opportunity."

Mantell has been with the British squad in Stellenbosch, South Africa this month playing three games against their hosts (pictured below).

Having lost their first game 5-3, Britain then won the second 3-1 before a 3-3 draw rounded off their tour.

Britain went to South Africa off the back of a performance at the Champions Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand, at the end of last year which Mantell admitted was disappointing.

They finished third, behind Australia and Spain in a four-team group that also included Pakistan.


The squad was at a point in their training programme designed to help them reach peak form at the Olympics, which meant their fitness was not at its optimum level.

Mantell said that they had to consider this and see the big picture.

"There were good performances and poor out there," he said.

"I think we do see it as a bit of a missed opportunity to do well at a main event before the Games, but at the same time we are realistic about where we are in our preparations for London.

"We need to make sure physically we're peaking for the summer and the Olympics.

"We are always focused on the result, but at the same time whilst you're there, you don't think about it.

One advantage the 27 year-old says Britain have is that they have been training at the Hockey Centre in the Olympic Park.


The venue has a blue surface for the first time ever at a major international tournament, with pink around the outline, as well as a yellow ball to make it easier for viewers to follow the action.

"We've been on the pitch a few times" Mantell said.

"I think it's brilliant.

"Having something different is a talking point and it looks fantastic from an aerial view, so I think it will be something which will be very exciting; plus spectators will be able to see the ball more clearly.

"We have been on [the pitch] a couple of times now to get a feel for it... the great thing for us is that the stadium and the rest of the park is growing around us and we're becoming accustomed to being there."

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