England netball suffered a major blow just weeks before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as veteran wing attack Natalie Metcalf was ruled out with a calf injury, while head coach Anna Stembridge finalized a 12-player squad captained by Fran Williams.
The build-up to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games took a severe turn when Natalie Metcalf picked up a calf issue in training on Monday. Scans confirmed the injury, ending the 33-year-old’s campaign and forcing a late reshuffle for the Vitality Roses.
Metcalf’s absence deprives the squad of its sole remaining link to the gold medal won at the Gold Coast in 2018. It also interrupts a remarkable personal comeback that saw her return to elite netball last December, just 14 months after giving birth to her daughter, before helping Manchester Thunder claim the Netball Super League title.
Metcalf’s Devastation and the Team’s Reaction
The timing of the injury compounded the emotional toll on the experienced midcourter, who previously captained England at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and co-captained the side to a silver medal at the 2023 Netball World Cup.
“I’m devastated to not be able to continue with the team,” said Metcalf, who has been replaced in the squad by Ella Clark. “It’s been a very emotional couple of days and something that I think will take some time for me to process fully.”
Natalie Metcalf, via BBC Sport
Metcalf added that the ordeal had been an emotional shock, noting that it is something that I think will take some time for me to process fully. Ella Clark has been called into the squad to replace her.
England head coach Anna Stembridge acknowledged the emotional weight of the setback for the program, pointing to the immense effort required for Metcalf’s return to the court.
“We are all gutted for Nat. To receive this news so close to the Games is devastating, particularly given the incredible journey she has been on over the past 14 months,” said England head coach Anna Stembridge. “Watching Nat navigate her return to court after becoming a mum has been nothing short of inspiring and we’re deeply disappointed she won’t be able to compete in Glasgow.”
Anna Stembridge, England head coach, via BBC Sport
Rising Star Jayda Pechova Steps Into the Senior Ranks
While Metcalf exits, the squad welcomes fresh energy through 21-year-old defender Jayda Pechova. Pechova swept the board at the 2026 Netball Super League awards, collecting Player of the Year, Fans’ Player of the Year, and Young Player of the Year after recording 88 gains and 75 deflections for Nottingham Forest.
Forest coach Chelsea Pitman explained the internal drive that fueled Pechova’s recall after she fell out of favor following her debut cap against New Zealand in 2023, noting that the defender attacked her performance targets with exceptional commitment.
“We looked at what she could do in her high performance behaviours and that consistency piece – what does England need to see from her? And she has just attacked it. She’s turning up to every session to put her best foot forward. She is extremely resilient. She wants to watch videos; she wants to be better.”
Chelsea Pitman, Nottingham Forest coach
Leadership Structure and Tournament Challenges
With Jess Thirlby having stepped down as head coach in March, Stembridge takes charge of a group that blends tournament veterans with emerging talent. Fran Williams assumes the captaincy, supported by London Pulse shooter Liv Tchine and Manchester Thunder’s Amy Carter serving as vice-captains.
The team also contends with the earlier June loss of star shooter Helen Housby, who was ruled out due to a back injury. Despite these absences, Stembridge expressed confidence in the program’s overall depth.
“The competitiveness within English netball is incredibly strong, and this squad reflects the quality and depth we have across the programme. Each athlete brings different qualities to this group, and the strength of this team will come from how we combine those qualities and perform together.”
Anna Stembridge, England head coach
Team England Commonwealth Games Squad
Defence: Halimat Adio, Francesca Williams, Funmi Fadoju, Jayda Pechova
Midcourt: Imo Allison, Jess Shaw, Amy Carter, Ella Clark (replacing Natalie Metcalf)
Attack: Sasha Glasgow, Liv Tchine, Eleanor Cardwell, Lois Pearson
The Road Ahead in Glasgow
Ranked third in the world, the Roses face a demanding Pool A campaign. Their group includes world number one Australia, South Africa, Malawi, Tonga, and Northern Ireland. England opens its Commonwealth Games schedule against Northern Ireland on July 25, seeking to translate domestic league intensity into podium success amidst a reshuffled lineup.
Sources: bbc.co.uk.
Keep reading
