Although he would not confirm whether the rising star would be in the starting line up, he signalled that the 19-year-old was almost certain to be playing either up front or on the right of midfield.
‘She’s got tremendous pace for a youngster,’ Pickett said.
‘Beckie is a very quick individual and we intend to use that down the right or up front.’ The England team was training earlier today at the 10,000-seater hockey stadium, which is on the outskirts of Melbourne.
Pickett, who was planning for the team’s opening match against Canada on Friday, added: ‘We are also really pleased in the way that Beckie has settled in to the team and the camp.
I’m sure she will be taking part in the Commonwealth Games.’ After training in temperatures of almost 28C this morning the teenager said: ‘This isn’t the first time that I have been away with the England team but this is certainly the most special.
Fantastic ‘The place is really nice and the athlete’s village is fantastic and I’ve already had a chance to meet up with some of the Jersey team.’ In their group, England have been drawn against Canada, Scotland, The Bahamas and New Zealand.
Herbert added: ‘It would be difficult to comment on the draw really because at a tournament like this, every team is of a very high standard.’ Also, Herbert seems keen on her new role as a forward player: ‘I’m used to playing in central midfield but PK (Pickett) prefers to take advantage of my pace somewhere else and I’m really enjoying it.’
