England's netball squad suffered a 61‑54 loss to New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games semi‑final, a result that left the team reflecting on a performance they felt fell short of expectations. From the latter stages of the first quarter, captain Anna Stembridge’s side attempted to keep the pressure on the opposition, but the match quickly turned into a steep uphill battle for the Roses. Throughout the game they never managed to seize a lead, and the Silver Ferns maintained control from start to finish. New Zealand’s offensive unit proved decisive, with forward Grace Nweke delivering a standout display that kept the English defence on the back foot.
Playing at Glasgow’s Hydro arena, the Ferns’ attacking combinations repeatedly broke through England’s lines, building a cushion that grew as the quarters progressed. By the end of the third period it was evident that England were trailing by double‑digit points, with roughly seven minutes remaining on the clock.
In the final minutes England launched a late surge, netting a flurry of goals that narrowed the margin and made the closing score appear more competitive than the overall flow of the match suggested. Despite the spirited finish, the gap proved too large to overturn, and the final whistle confirmed a 61‑54 victory for New Zealand. After the game, an emotional Eleanor Cardwell, who had been brought on early in the second half, spoke to TNT Sports about the team’s effort. "I feel that we threw everything at it today but they were the better team," she said.
"I’m a little bit disappointed with how we performed. I know we can do better." Cardwell’s comments highlighted the squad’s determination to improve. She added, "We are all about responses, so we are going to go back to the drawing board. I don’t want that feeling again of missing out on bronze in 2022 – that’s going to fuel the fire.
We have got to get a medal around our neck, there’s no question about it. We have to work our a**** off." The defeat does not end England’s medal hopes, however. The team still has a chance to secure bronze as they prepare to face Australia in the third‑place playoff. Their opponent, Australia, will be eager to claim a podium spot after their own journey through the tournament.
England’s path to the bronze match was paved by a dramatic one‑point victory from Jamaica over the defending champions, a result that opened the door for the Roses to contest the final medal. New Zealand, on the other hand, advanced to the gold‑medal match, marking their first appearance in a Commonwealth Games final since 2014. Their success in Glasgow sets up a highly anticipated showdown for the top honors. Looking ahead, England will need to analyse the semi‑final in detail, focusing on the defensive lapses that allowed Nweke and the Ferns to dominate the scoring.
Coaching staff are expected to review footage, identify patterns in New Zealand’s attacking play, and develop strategies to counteract similar threats in future contests. Emphasis will likely be placed on tightening the mid‑court transitions, improving shooting accuracy under pressure, and enhancing physical conditioning to sustain intensity throughout the full 60 minutes of play.
The upcoming bronze medal game against Australia presents a crucial test of resilience. Both teams have experienced the sting of a semi‑final loss and will be motivated to finish the tournament on a high note.
For England, the match offers an opportunity to redeem the disappointment of the semi‑final, to prove that the squad can bounce back, and to bring home a medal that has eluded them in recent Commonwealth Games. Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely to see how the Roses respond to the setback. The narrative of perseverance, learning from defeat, and striving for improvement resonates throughout the sport, and England’s ability to translate that narrative into a podium finish will be a testament to their character and work ethic. In summary, while the semi‑final loss to New Zealand was a tough pill to swallow, England’s netball team remains in contention for a bronze medal.
Their upcoming clash with Australia will be a decisive moment, offering a chance to turn disappointment into triumph and to finish the Commonwealth Games campaign with a tangible reward for their hard work and determination.