Team England’s netballers will contest the bronze medal match after a 61-54 defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Silver Ferns established an early lead and were able to control the contest from then on, despite Team England’s efforts to close the gap.
Anna Stembridge’s side were within four heading into half time, but New Zealand extended their lead decisively in the third quarter to ensure victory.
Team England will now take on either Jamaica or Australia in the bronze medal match at 9am on Sunday.
Captain Fran Williams said: “We're devastated as a team, but we're also really aware that we're still competing for a medal.
“We'll be ready to fight for one tomorrow and make sure we come away with that reward.
“It's important that we don't get too down about this game or get stuck in our own heads. We need to stay connected as a group and be ready for the battle tomorrow.
“There were definitely positives. The way we responded, particularly in the third quarter, was huge.
“We didn't start very well the other day against South Africa either, but we were able to come on stronger and have a better impact in the second half.
“I feel like we had moments like that today as well, but we just didn't reward ourselves with enough of the ball we won.
“We need to make sure we're staying calm in those moments. Every goal matters in a semi-final and you're not going to get multiple chances. I think that's something we'll reflect on.
“A medal is on the line for us and that's a huge motivation. One of the great things about a bronze-medal match is the opportunity to finish a tournament with a win rather than a loss. At the end of a long week, that's where we want to be – on the winners' list.”
It was certainly a case of taking chances, as Team England were unable to fully convert the turnovers they worked hard to create.
The Silver Ferns were ruthlessly clinical, taking full advantage of English errors that were concentrated in the opening minutes of the first and third quarters.
That proved the difference between the two sides, as New Zealand pulled away in the third quarter.
“It was a shame because we actually spoke about being brave and really attacking that quarter,” said Stembridge.
“I think being clinical was the difference. With the likes of Grace [Nweke] and that shooting prowess, you have to be clinical.
“We'll look at what we can take forward from today, what's worked really well for us and what's served us well. Then we'll look at the points of difference of the opposition we're going to face.”
