RACHEL Walker helped England to the perfect start in their World Cup qualifying campaign as they trounced France 4-0.

The hockey star, from Worcester, played in the victorious team at Abbeville, France to put England on top of their qualifying pool with six games remaining.

Anna Bennett opened the scoring after 13 minutes with a field goal before England scored a crucial second two minutes after the restart through Lucilla Wright who converted a penalty corner.

After 43 minutes Leisa King scored the first of a brace latching onto a cross from Sarah Blanks to slot home England's third. Seven minutes later King nicked her second goal with an opportunist strike from a goalmouth scramble.

England now head Group 'A' in the qualifying stage with four points from the win. They face second-placed side Ukraine tomorrow in Amiens before playing a further five qualifying ties.

Seven qualifiers will go through to next year's hockey World Cup in Perth, Australia.