England face Jamaica in London this weekend in the second of three international series ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. After a disappointing 2-1 series loss to New Zealand, the Vitality Roses will be looking to rebuild confidence as the summer approaches.
Jamaica, ranked world No 3, arrive without several of their top players. Head coach Sasher Gaye Henry-Wright told the Jamaica Observer they feel “no pressure” and are focused on performances and goals, adding that this is the best team they could assemble despite missing senior players. She highlighted funding and pathway gaps that limit their depth but said the squad remains optimistic.
Missing from the Sunshine Girls are captain Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Romelda Aiken-George, Shimona Nelson, and Latanya Wilson. Kadie-Ann Dehaney is not named after returning to pre-season with West Coast Fever in the Suncorp Super Netball league. Jodie-Ann Ward is sidelined after rupturing her ACL in May, and Shamera Sterling, who gave birth in October, is also absent.
Available experienced internationals include Shanice Beckford and Khadija Williams, both part of Jamaica’s 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth bronze squads and the 2022 silver team. Former captain Vangelee Williams returns from international retirement at 33; Rhea Dixon, a former Vitality Rose, switched allegiance to Jamaica in 2023.
Sunshine Girls squad:
Shanice Beckford
Rhea Dixon
Simone Gordon
Gezelle Allison
Mischa Creary
Khadija Williams
Adean Thomas
Abigale Sutherland
Crystal Plummer
Zaudi Green
Kimone Shaw
Vangelee Williams
Theresa Beckford
Roxonna McLean
Paula Ann Burton
Vitality Roses squad:
Eleanor Cardwell
Sasha Glasgow
Helen Housby
Lois Pearson
Liv Tchine
Natalie Metcalf
Amy Carter
Beth Cobden
Emma Rayner
Jess Shaw
Halimat Adio
Jaz Brown
Razia Quashie
Funmi Fadoju
Francesca Williams
The first two games of the Horizon Series originally scheduled in Jamaica were cancelled because of Hurricane Melissa, so the series now comprises two matches in London at the Copper Box Arena:
Saturday December 13: England vs Jamaica, 2pm
Sunday December 14: England vs Jamaica, 2.15pm
Times subject to slight change for broadcast requirements.