India aims to win against England: Raghunath

India aim to win their Hockey World League Finals opener Jan 10 against England, said defender V.R. Raghunath here Tuesday.

Speaking to the press post their practice session under coach Terry Walsh at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Raghunath said Walsh is working on the team's game.

"This tournament is an ideal platform for us to work on our skill sets and loopholes before the World Cup. Terry Walsh is working very hard on our game and we are feeling the improvement in the manner we are playing in a synchronised manner. The team is looking at winning its first match against England and this will help boost our spirit going ahead in the tournament," said Raghunath.

Speaking about getting a big opportunity, youngster Nikkin Thimmaiah said: "I am the youngest in the squad and it's a big opportunity for me to be playing with the seniors and on such a huge platform.

"While playing with the seniors you learn a lot in the process and automatically improve on one's game. This will help me evolve into a good player. The team is concentrating on the first game and we will take each game as it comes."