Surbiton hockey star Georgie Twigg admitted she was still in shock after winning gold at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships with England for the first time in 24 years.

England, ranked seventh in the world, beat the Netherlands 3-1 on shuffles after fighting back from 2-0 down with eight minutes remaining to draw 2-2 at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Former Surbiton player, Sophie Bray, now with East Grinstead, started the comeback in the 52nd minute with the equaliser coming two minutes later.

England raced to a 3-0 lead in the shootout, and although Twigg missed the chance to seal the win when England led 3-1, Holcombe’s goalkeeper, Maddie Hinch made the all-important save from the Netherlands’ fourth attempt.

Twigg said: “I’m still in shock. It’s been an incredible tournament. When we went 2-0 down the crowd lifted us.

"It’s been a really special event. Playing at the Olympic legacy venue and getting a gold medal, it doesn’t get much more special than that.”

Great Britain now qualify for the Rio Olympics, inheriting England’s qualification as European champions.

Meanwhile, Surbiton men’s Michael Watt will also have a national European medal on his CV when he returns to club league hockey next month.

Playing for Ireland, ranked 14th in the world, he helped overturn the odds in Saturday’s Unibet European Championships third-place final to beat the host nation before a stunned crowd at Lee Valley.

Twice the “Green Machine” came back from a goal down before finally taking the lead in the 39th minute.

They then defended gallantly, surviving two penalty corners before England swapped their keeper for a kicking back in an attempt to force penalty shoot-outs.

The tactic won them a penalty corner with 90 seconds left on the clock, but it was saved and Ireland broke away two-on-one to force a penalty stroke with two seconds on the clock.

The celebrations had already started as it was converted to seal victory and a first-ever European bronze at their 12th attempt.