England netballers secure convincing win over Malawi at Glasgow 2026
England bounces back with dominant performance
England‘s netball team achieved a significant 73-38 victory over Malawi, marking their second win from three games in Group A at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The win helps the team recover momentum following a prior defeat to Australia. The match, held at The Hydro, saw England establish an early lead and maintain control throughout.
The Roses, coached by Anna Stembridge, quickly found their rhythm. Early in the game, Olivia Tchine and Lois Pearson demonstrated sharp shooting, contributing to England’s strong start. Tchine scored 24 from 26 attempts, while Pearson added 16 from 17. Malawi’s veteran player, Mwayi Kumwenda, was a key contributor for her side in the first half, scoring 20 goals from 23 attempts.
Despite Malawi’s efforts to keep pace in the first half, England elevated their performance after the break. Defensive adjustments, including the introduction of Halimat Adio and Funmi Fadoju, strengthened England’s play. In attack, Sasha Glasgow and Eleanor Cardwell were instrumental in extending the lead, with Cardwell achieving a perfect shooting record of 21 goals from 21 shots.
Strategic changes and team cohesion
Coach Stembridge made tactical adjustments during the match, including moving Pearson to wing-back and bringing Glasgow into the attack. This change proved effective, with Glasgow immediately contributing to the scoreline. Stembridge, in her second tenure as the Roses’ coach, previously led England to a fourth-place finish at the Games 12 years ago and also played for Wales in 2002 and 2006.
Vice-captain Amy Carter highlighted the team’s focus on ruthlessness and consistency following their loss to Australia. Carter noted that a loss early in a tournament can be beneficial for learning and growth. The team engaged in activities such as video analysis and a team games night, which included games like ‘The Mind’ and ‘Mafia’, to foster camaraderie and provide a break from constant netball focus. Carter suggested these activities contributed to their improved performance.
England’s squad for the match included Halimat Adio, Imogen Allison, Eleanor Cardwell, Amy Carter, Ella Clark, Funmi Fadoju, Sasha Glasgow, Lois Pearson, Jayda Pechova, Jessica Shaw, Olivia Tchine, and Fran Williams. Malawi’s team featured Mphatso Banda, Sophilet Banda, Shabel Bengo, Martha Dambo, Aisha Gama, Florence Jeke, Mwayi Kumwenda, Takondwa Lwazi, Tendai Masamba, Stellah Matelezi, Ethel Ng’Ambi, and Melia Soko.
Looking ahead in the tournament
The victory places England third in their group, with South Africa, currently in second, holding a game in hand. England’s campaign began with an 83-34 win against Northern Ireland, followed by a 66-47 defeat to reigning champions Australia. Malawi also entered the match with one win and one loss, having been defeated 65-44 by South Africa before securing a 64-48 success over Northern Ireland.
England will have a break from competition on Tuesday before returning to face Tonga on Wednesday, a team making their Commonwealth Games debut. Carter expressed enthusiasm for this upcoming challenge, noting the opportunity to play against different styles of netball. The team’s final pool match will be against South Africa on Thursday.
Malawi’s Mwayi Kumwenda is participating in her fourth Commonwealth Games, having been the top scorer in 2014. England has a history of success at the Games, including a gold medal in 2018. Malawi’s past performances at the Games include seventh place finishes in 1998, 2018, and 2022.
Source: tntsports.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
