England quickly put a disappointing defeat behind them after a heavy loss to Australia at the Commonwealth Games Netball tournament, responding with a dominant performance against Malawi in Glasgow. The Vitality Roses, England's senior netball squad, had suffered a 66-47 setback in their second group match on Sunday, but they bounced back in spectacular fashion, posting a 73-38 victory over the Malawian side.
From the opening whistle, England set the tone with an aggressive, fast‑paced approach that saw them build a sizable lead early on. By halftime, the English team had already stretched the gap to 14 points, holding a 37-23 advantage. Their relentless pressure continued into the third quarter, where they added another 18 goals, further demoralising the Malawian side and cementing their dominance on the Hydro arena floor.
The English side opened the tournament with an emphatic 84-35 thrashing of Northern Ireland, and they maintained that high‑octane momentum throughout the match against Malawi. In the final quarter, London Pulse star Olivia Tchine was the standout performer, finishing the game with an impressive tally of 24 goals. Her shooting accuracy and composure under pressure were key factors in England’s ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Vice‑captain Amy Carter reflected on the significance of the win, noting that the team needed to regain confidence after the previous day's loss. “Getting back to where we are was important,” she said. “After yesterday's loss, we’ve definitely turned things around today and fixed some of the things we got wrong.” Carter’s comments highlighted the squad’s focus on learning from mistakes and executing a game plan that matched the physicality of both Australia and Malawi. The match also provided a platform for England to showcase their defensive resilience.
With Halimat Adio, Fran Williams, Funmi Fadoju, and Jayda Pechova anchoring the backline, the Roses were able to limit Malawi’s attacking options and force turnovers that led to quick scoring opportunities. In the midfield, Imo Allison, Jess Shaw, Amy Carter herself, and Nat Metcalf combined to dictate the tempo, linking defence to attack with crisp passes and strategic positioning.
England’s attacking unit, featuring Sasha Glasgow, Liv Tchine, Eleanor Cardwell, and Lois Pearson, displayed a variety of shooting angles and relentless movement. Sasha Glasgow, who plays for West Coast Fever in Australia, added to Malawi’s woes with her powerful drives and accurate shooting, while Cardwell and Pearson contributed crucial support play, creating space and feeding the ball to the shooters. The Roses’ coach praised the team’s ability to adapt to the physical demands of the game.
“Australia are obviously very physical, and so are Malawi, so it was good to match up to that and stand up to that challenge,” he said. “We definitely wanted to go out there and be ruthless today. Sometimes it’s hard when you start a quarter well to maintain that consistency and keep turning the screw, but I think we certainly did that.” Looking ahead, England’s path to the semi‑finals remains uncertain. Their final group match pits them against South Africa on Thursday, a game that will be pivotal for their medal aspirations.
A victory against the South African side is essential for the Vitality Roses to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Beyond the immediate results, this match serves as a reminder of England’s standing in the global netball hierarchy. The Vitality Roses currently sit third in the World Netball rankings, a testament to their consistent performances on the international stage. Their ability to rebound from setbacks, as demonstrated in Glasgow, underscores the depth of talent and the strategic acumen within the squad.
For fans eager to follow England’s journey, live netball coverage is available on Sky Sports, and highlights, podcasts, and exclusive video content can be accessed through the Sky Sports app and the “Off the Court” podcast series. As the Commonwealth Games progress, the Vitality Roses will look to build on this commanding win, refine their tactics, and aim for a podium finish that reflects their status as one of the world’s premier netball nations. In summary, England’s 73-38 triumph over Malawi not only erased the sting of their earlier loss to Australia but also reinforced their reputation as a formidable force in the tournament.
With a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, the Roses are poised to continue their campaign with confidence, determination, and the ambition to secure a medal for their country.