Ameliaranne Ekenasio (Captain) of New Zealand Silver Ferns during the Netball World Cup Semi-Final 1 match between England and New Zealand at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday, 05 August 2023 Photo: Mandatory credit: Christiaan Kotze/C&C Photo Agency Photo: Christiaan Kotze/C&C Photo Agency
None of England's World Cup players have been named in the side to meet the Silver Ferns in a three test series in New Zealand next month.
Following England's silver medal at the Netball World Cup, their best ever finish at the event, members of the World Cup playing group and staff are taking a planned break as England look to give exposure to a new crop of players.
The side's three travelling World Cup reserves, Hali Adio, Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, Amy Carter, have been named for the Taini Jamison Trophy, which the Roses won for the first time in October 2021.
Amongst the Roses' squad are seven players who are in line to make their England debuts and more seasoned players who narrowly missed out on the World Cup.
Of most interest will be the debut of Australian based player Sasha Glasgow, who earlier this year was selected for the Roses programme for the first time.
Glasgow, who had also been in Diamonds contention, is eligible through her English heritage.
The West Coast Fever have confirmed that Glasgow will not be returning to the club for the 2024 Super Netball season.
There's rumours the 25-year-old is set to link up with Australia's new SEN backed Super Netball club, to be coached by former England coach Tracey Neville.
Star England shooter Eleanor Cardwell is also tipped to join her old coach Neville at the new franchise.
It's a scenario that would delight England Roses head coach Jess Thirlby, who took over from Neville four year's ago.
If the dynamic shooting pair can build a strong combination at the new Melbourne based team, that can only be good for England's high performance programme.
Former Silver Fern Liana Leota Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former Silver Fern Liana Leota is stepping in to temporarily lead the side as Head Coach for the series.
The side's Technical Coach said she was honoured to be able to lead the Roses.
"For me, it's an opportunity to develop. I enjoy and love my role as a technical coach in the Roses environment so this is a chance to see what else I can learn in this role. This is also a great opportunity for the youngsters and new players we're bedding in. It's the start of a new four-year cycle so it's a chance for those who have not got as much experience to come up against New Zealand," Leota said.
All athletes and staff will return under the leadership Thirlby for a three-match home series against South Africa later this year.
Thirlby said the series presented an opportunity learn more about the athletes who will be pressing to be part of the Roses during this cycle and beyond.
She said athletes will get much-needed exposure to international competition as part of the longer-term ambition of achieving further success in the next cycle with the World Cup in Sydney.
A captain and the leadership group will be named in the coming weeks.
Taini Jamison Trophy - Silver Ferns vs England Roses
- 24 September, Christchurch
- 27 September, Porirua
- 30 September, Hamilton
England Team for Taini Jamison series
- Sasha Glasgow GA, GS
- Emma Thacker GA, GS
- Berri Neil GA, GS
- Sophie Drakeford-Lewis GA, WA
- Hannah Joseph WA, C
- Alicia Scholes WA, C
- Elle McDonald C, WA
- Amy Carter C, WD
- Ellie Rattu C, WD
- Ella Bowen GD, GK, WD
- Vicki Oyesola GD, WD, GK
- Halimat Adio GK, GD
- Jayda Pechova GD, GK
- Alice Harvey GK, GD
