England Roses Announce Netball World Cup Squad

With the 2023 Vitality Netball World Cup edging closer, now is the time for us to see the different countries release the awaited squad selection lists.

England have announced their 12-player-squad and three reserves for the show piece coming to South Africa in July.

Head coach Jess Thirlby has opted for a blend of youth and experience selecting five debutants, Eleanor Cardwell and Funmi Fadoju to mention a couple of debutants. Veterans Jade Clarke and Geva Mentor were also included as they look ahead to their sixth global showpiece.

6th World Cup coming up! Honoured and grateful for the opportunity to step out on court with an incredible group and give it our all! 🌹💪🏽 #RoadToCapeTown pic.twitter.com/7Mrrd5i24e

— Geva Mentor CBE (@GevaMentor) May 16, 2023

For the first time, World Netball is permitting teams to have three travelling reserves who can remain with the team and, in the event of a tournament-ending injury or illness, can act as a permanent replacement.

Halimat Adio, Amy Carter and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis occupy those three reserve slots for England.

Chelsea Pitman, who took a break from netball to train to be a police officer, says she is “overwhelmed” and “so proud” to be included in the Roses squad.

After a disappointing showing at the Commonwealth Games last year, where England finished outside of the podium in fourth place. Pitman said the team have made a “fresh start”.

“It’s a new team, another tournament. The World Cup is the pinnacle event for our sport and I believe we can do it,” she said.

“Our aspiration is to win. Will it be easy? No. But that’s what makes it exciting. Do we have the capacity to do it? Hell yeah.”

The Vitality Roses, will begin their campaign against Barbados on Friday, July 28. They then face the Malawi Queens on Saturday, July 29, before a home nations clash against the Scottish Thistles on Sunday, July 30. The final will take place on Sunday, August 6.

England Roses’ Full Netball World Cup Squad:

Helen Housby (GA, GS), Eleanor Cardwell (GA, GS), Olivia Tchine (GS), Natalie Metcalf (WA, GA), Chelsea Pitman (WA), Jade Clarke (C, WD), Laura Malcolm (WD, C, WA), Imogen Allison (WD, C), Funmi Fadoju (WD, GD, GK), Layla Guscoth (GD, GK), Fran Williams (GD, GK), Geva Mentor (GK, GD)

Travelling reserves: Halimat Adio (GK, GD), Sophie Drakeford-Lewis (GA, WA), Amy Carter (C, WD)