Look East

Glenn Kirkham

Among them is captain Glenn Kirkham, 25, who lives at Stansted in Essex.

Kirkham has earned more than 100 international caps for England and Great Britain since making his international debut in 2003. 

The Team GB squad has been together for 10 months, training three or four times a week and Kirkham said it would be "amazing" if the team came home with medals.

"It would mean the world to us," he said.

Richard Alexander, 26, who is from Homersfield in Suffolk, has been a consistent member of the team since he began playing for England in January 2005. 

Richard Alexander

He said it had been hard to keep his place in the team because the competition for places from a big squad was tough.

His improved fitness and having three injury-free years had contributed to his success.

"The squad has been together a long while now - we're a pretty tough group," he said.

In the last three years he has earned more than 90 international caps for England and Great Britain including at the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and two European Championships. 

Jonty Clarke

 For Jonathan (Jonty) Clarke, 27, taking part in the Olympic Games was "very, very special".

"It's something most of us have dreamed about for most of our lives. To actually be here and about to take part is very special for us all," he said.

Clarke, from Southend in Essex, has been a regular member of the England squad since making his debut against Belgium in February 2002.

He has won more 100 international caps and appeared at a World Cup, a Commonwealth Games and three European Championships.