Sky Sports Netball analyst Tamsin Greenway reflected on England’s 2-1 home series defeat to New Zealand, saying the Vitality Roses will take plenty of frustration but also some positives into the rest of the international season. New Zealand opened the three-Test series with a 61-58 win at the Copper Box Arena. England responded by taking the second test by the same score, but the hosts faded in the deciding match at Manchester’s AO Arena, losing 55-49 as errors and unsettled combinations proved costly.
Greenway said the third test was a tricky defeat for England. The Roses started strongly, winning the first quarter, but were unable to build momentum or seize key moments as the game progressed. Across the opening two matches the statistical margins were tiny, making the series a close tactical battle. The decisive difference in Manchester, Greenway observed, was stability. New Zealand kept their lineup consistent throughout the decider, while England rotated almost every position across the four quarters, preventing the side from feeling settled and finding a rhythm. That instability left opportunities on the table that England could not convert.
Despite the disappointment, Greenway urged the team to focus on the positives as they prepare for the run-up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026. England sit fourth in the world rankings, New Zealand second, and regular exposure to top-level opposition is crucial for this relatively young Roses group.
Individual bright spots included captain Fran Williams’ leadership, Helen Housby’s return to form — she won player of the match in the second test — and the emergence of Jaz Brown in the goalkeeper role. Greenway said there were huge positives across the three games, but the squad will understandably be gutted not to have closed out the series.
Looking ahead, England travel to Jamaica for a four-Test Horizon Series in December: two away fixtures in Kingston on December 6 and 7, followed by two home tests at the Copper Box Arena on December 13 (2.15pm) and December 14 (2pm). Jamaica are ranked third, and Greenway suggested England must aim to win that series, particularly if Jamaica are not at full strength, as it offers head coach Jess Thirlby a chance to trial combinations, cement key units and a preferred style ahead of next year’s major tournaments. England will then host South Africa in January before returning to the Super League season.
Series results versus New Zealand:
Sat Nov 15, Copper Box Arena: England 58-61 New Zealand
Sun Nov 16, Copper Box Arena: England 61-58 New Zealand
Wed Nov 19, AO Arena, Manchester: England 55-49 New Zealand
Match times subject to slight change due to broadcast requirements.