England have named their captain for the next of the summer’s international fixtures. Max Charlton will lead a three-player England squad against Argentina for the Olympic Trophy at Chestertons Polo In The Park in London on Friday 6 June.
An unusual format
The match is one of the more distinctive fixtures on the international calendar. It is played on grass using outdoor handicaps, but with some arena elements, which gives it a compressed, fast feel. It is a three-a-side contest rather than the usual four, so every player has plenty of work to do, and the pace can be relentless.
History of the fixture
The Olympic Trophy was last contested in 2022, when the match was settled in a run-down after a 4-4 draw, so the memory of a close finish lingers. England also have some recent history with the Argentines to think about. Argentina beat England 18-17 in the Bryan Morrison Trophy at Hickstead in January after a golden goal in extra time, a result that England will want to put right.
Charlton’s role
Charlton captains a squad of three, and the remaining members of the side are still to be announced.
- When: Friday 6 June
- Where: Chestertons Polo In The Park, London
- Who: England v Argentina, three-a-side
- Trophy: The Olympic Trophy
Part of a bigger summer
The fixture kicks off a run of England appearances. Next comes the Golden Jubilee against the USA at the Beaufort International on 14 June, and then International Day at Guards on 26 July, where England meet Brazil. England’s players will want to have a strong start to the programme, and a home win against an Argentine team would be a fine way to begin.
It is worth remembering that Polo in the Park is a very different atmosphere from a normal polo day, because it takes place in the middle of London. For many people in the crowd it will be their first sight of the sport, which is exactly why England’s captain and his teammates have an extra reason to put on a good show. We will bring you the teams when they are confirmed.
Sources: HPA, Max Charlton to lead England, PoloHub, Bryan Morrison Trophy
