The English netball team experienced a 61-54 loss to New Zealand in the semi-final round of the Commonwealth Games. Despite their efforts to keep pace with their opponents from the late stages of the first quarter onwards, the team struggled to overcome the Silver Ferns, failing to take the lead at any point.
New Zealand's potent offense, led by the impressive performance of Grace Nweke, ultimately proved too strong for England. By the end of the third quarter, England's defeat was all but certain, with a substantial deficit remaining and only seven minutes left to play. A late surge of goals narrowed the final score, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Eleanor Cardwell, who was substituted in early for England, expressed her disappointment, stating, 'I feel we gave it our all, but they were the superior team. I'm disappointed with our performance, knowing we're capable of better.' The team is now focused on claiming the bronze medal and will face Australia, following Jamaica's surprising one-point victory over the reigning champions. New Zealand, meanwhile, has advanced to the Commonwealth Games final for the first time since 2014.