England's netball team delivered a commanding performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing a 73-38 victory over Malawi. This decisive win comes as a crucial rebound for the Roses, following their challenging 66-47 defeat to reigning champions Australia earlier in the competition. The result provides a significant boost to England's campaign as they aim to regain the gold medal they famously won in 2018.
From the outset, England demonstrated their intent, establishing a comfortable 18-9 lead by the end of the first quarter. They maintained this advantage throughout the match, consistently extending their lead. The final quarter saw a particularly strong surge from the Roses, limiting Malawi to just five points while adding 18 to their own tally, demonstrating a sustained level of intensity and focus.
A standout individual performance came from goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell, who made a significant impact after being introduced in the second half. Cardwell showcased exceptional accuracy, converting all 21 of her shots on goal, proving to be an influential substitution for the English side. Her precision and composure under pressure were key factors in widening England's lead and securing the comprehensive win.
Currently, England sits third in Pool A, positioned behind the formidable Australian team and South Africa. Their path to the semi-finals now involves two critical upcoming fixtures. The Roses are scheduled to face Tonga on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at 16:00 BST, before a highly anticipated clash against South Africa on Thursday, 30 July 2026, at 21:00 BST. The match against South Africa is particularly pivotal, as they are considered England's primary rivals for a spot in the knockout stages.
The team's preparation for the tournament has been marked by a degree of turbulence. Head coach Jess Thirlby stepped down in March 2026 due to family reasons, with assistant Anna Stembridge taking over as interim charge. Furthermore, injuries to key players Helen Housby and Natalie Metcalf have meant that ten of the twelve-player squad are making their Commonwealth Games debuts in Glasgow, highlighting the depth and resilience of the current team as they navigate this high-stakes competition.