England star injured days before Europeans

Bec Korfball Club and England senior International Joe Bedford had to be replaced in the 40th minute of the England Korfball League Premier Division match between Bec and Birmingham City after twisting his ankle.

England coach Dave Buckland and the England squad fly out to Portugal for the IKF European Korfball Championships this Wednesday (23 October).

England’s first match at the European Korfball Championships is against Russia on Friday 25 October.

Bedford will undergo extensive treatment over the next few days to give the 24-year-old the best chances of taking part in the European Championships.

The IKF European Korfball Championship will take place between Saturday 25 October and Sunday 02 November 2014 in Maia, Portugal.

Sixteen teams will participate; Belgium, Catalonia, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, The Netherlands, Turkey and Wales.

England have been drawn in pool A alongside Germany, Russia and The Netherlands.

For the very latest updates from the squad, news and results from the tournament search for the hashtag #EKC14 on Twitter.