England’s netballers started their march towards Glasgow 2026 with a hard-fought series defeat to New Zealand. 

The two sides headed to Manchester for an exciting decider, having won a Test each in London. The Silver Ferns ultimately came out on top at the AO Arena, as England saw unforced errors slip into their game under fierce pressure from the two-time Commonwealth champions. 

But there were still plenty of positives for England as they went toe-to-toe with a side that will also be eyeing the gold medal in Glasgow. 

More defensive options

England’s defensive unit looks very different to the one that took the court at Birmingham 2022, and Jess Thirlby added more options to her arsenal during the New Zealand series.

Goal keeper Jas Brown made her senior debut and started all three Tests, where she looked at home on the big stage up against star shooter Grace Nweke.

Nweke eventually got on top of the England defence in the third Test but there were plenty of strong signs for a new look defensive circle.

Brown dovetailed well with Funmi Fadoju, who showed why she is one of the sport’s most exciting players at goal defence.

Fadoju also teamed up well with clubmate Halimat Adio, who gave Thirlby another option at goal keeper.

Fadoju’s talent meant Fran Williams moved to wing defence in order to get both players on court together, a change that worked well and means England now have plenty of options in defence, with Imogen Allison still to return from injury.

Tchine can lead the line

Anyone who has watched her performances in the Netball Super League will not be surprised, but goal shooter Liv Tchine showed she is more than ready to lead the line on the biggest stage.

The rangy shooter particularly impressed in the first two Tests on her home court at the Copper Box, with her unflappable nature under the post coming to the fore.

She also showed she is far from just a target shooter with elegant movement in and out of the circle and could well be in possession of the shooter bib heading into next summer.

Eleanor Cardwell, returning from injury this series, provides Thirlby another excellent option meaning competition is set to be fierce.

Pearson puts her hand up

With Nat Metcalf still returning from maternity leave, Lois Pearson seized her opportunity with some strong displays at wing attack.

The Mancunian looked right at home in London and Manchester, all the more impressive given injury stymied her domestic season with Manchester Thunder.

The 26-year-old looked like she had hardly been away and picked up where she left off in a red dress after a breakout international window last year. 

Her ability to play at goal attack, which she did for much of the third Test, also brings welcome versatility. Metcalf will make her return when England play Jamaica in December and the battle for the key playmaking role will be an intriguing battle to watch.

Housby is key

There has never been any doubting Helen Housby’s x-factor but the goal attack demonstrated exactly why she is England’s most important player against New Zealand.

The 30-year-old has led the England attack for over a decade – and is one of just three players in the current squad who won gold at 2018 Gold Coast – but continues to operate at the very highest level.

She produced a standout performance in the second Test to help England level the series before showing her versatility with stints at goal attack and goal shooter in Manchester as England trialled a moving circle.

With Glasgow 2026 now less than a year away, she will once again take centre stage as England bid to reclaim the gold medal.

Roses still have time to blossom

With Glasgow now very much on the horizon, the three matches against New Zealand were an acid test of exactly where England’s medal hopes stood.

Despite a 2-1 series defeat, England showed they can go toe-to-toe with a Silver Ferns side also eyeing the gold in Glasgow.

At Birmingham 2022, England saw their medal hopes disappear with a 55-48 loss to New Zealand and while they were on the wrong side over three matches in 2025, all three contest were keenly fought.

That England came away frustrated with their performance in the third Test, when too many passes and shots went astray, is a reflection of the high standards to which they hold themselves.

It leaves plenty to work on, as well as lots of encouraging signs, ahead of a series with Jamaica in December and a trip to South Africa in January.