Natalie Metcalf is set to compete for a second gold medal as part of the England netball squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Fran Williams appointed as team captain. The 12-player roster features four athletes from the current Netball Super League winners, AO Manchester Thunder.
Liv Tchine of London Pulse and Amy Carter from Thunder have been named vice-captains. The squad also features 21-year-old defender Jayda Pechova, who recently earned major accolades at Nottingham Forest, including Player of the Year. After a brief period away from the international setup, Pechova has impressed coaching staff with her dedication and resilience.
Metcalf, 33, remains the only member of the current group who participated in England’s 2018 gold medal victory. Her selection comes just 14 months after the birth of her first child. She joins club teammates Eleanor Cardwell, Lois Pearson, and Amy Carter in the squad. Head coach Anna Stembridge emphasized that the selection balances youthful energy with seasoned experience, noting the depth of talent currently available in English netball.
The Roses, currently ranked third globally, are placed in Pool A alongside top-ranked Australia, as well as South Africa, Malawi, Tonga, and Northern Ireland. England’s opening match is scheduled for July 25 against Northern Ireland. While the team aims to build on their 2023 World Cup silver medal performance, they look to overcome recent Test series losses to New Zealand and South Africa.
