England Squad

 

The 12th World Netball Championships
Trusts Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
10th – 17th November 2007

www.worldnetballchamps.com

 

 England Squad

The selection process was tough and intense, but England coach Marg Caldow could only name 12 players to contest for the World Championships. In the end, some new young stars forced their way into the team, alongside some of international netball's most experienced campaigners.

To get the squad into peak condition for their medal challenge, the team have faced some tough assignments. Spotlight matches against the England A side have allowed invited home crowds to support England in their World Championships build-up, whilst a trip to Jamaica sealed the preparations.

Amanda Newton (captain)
WD/GD
Aged 30

Newton leads the squad into her third World Championships campaign. After a disappointing 4th place in 2003, Newton will be fighting to emulate 1999 and be back on the medal rostrum.

Ama Agbeze
GK/GD
Aged 24

A dominant performance against Jamaica at the 2006 Commonwealth Games secured Agbeze her first major championships medal. Despite starting her international career as a shooter, Agbeze has impressed in the defensive circle and is now a firm fixture.

Karen Atkinson
WA/C
Aged 29

Speed around the court and a quiet determination have made Atkinson an invaluable member of the squad for the past decade. This is Atkinson's third World Championships, although she hopes to be contesting the final for the first time.

Jo Binns
C/WA
Aged 23

Missing out on the England side for May's tri-series against Australia and New Zealand only strengthened Binns' resolve to make the World Championships side. After some outstanding games for England A and TeamBath, Binns is back in the squad and determined to make her mark.

Louisa Brownfield
GS/GA
Aged 23

This may be her first World Championships, but Brownfield is already well-known in international netball for the accuracy of her shooting. After bronze at the Commonwealth Games and silver at the World Youth Championships, Brownfield will be hoping to go one better in Auckland.

Jade Clarke
C/WD
Aged 24

Central to England's success of the last few years, Clarke rose to prominence at the 2003 World Championships and hasn't looked back. Player of the Match in England's victory over New Zealand in May, she'll be hoping for more match-winning performances in Auckland.

Pamela Cookey
GA/GS
Aged 23

Cookey has always been a crowd favourite with her accurate shooting and slick interplays in the circle. This will be her first chance to wow the World Championships crowd, after missing the 2003 Championships whilst studying for her A Levels.

Tamsin Greenway
GA/WA
Aged 25

Greenway was a late addition to the side, after Rachel Dunn was forced to withdraw after seriously injuring her knee. Greenway brings winning experience to the squad, having gone through the last Superleague season undefeated and been on court for England’s victory over New Zealand in May.

Jo Harten
GS/GA
Aged 18

It's been an epic year for Harten. Just 12 months ago she was captaining Mavericks Youth, but her performances for England A against some of the best defences in the world ensured her promotion to the World Championships squad.

Geva Mentor
GK/GD
Aged 23

Despite being just 23, Mentor is embarking on her eighth season in the England squad. Her elevation and reach have troubled the world's best shooters on numerous occasions, as has her determination to secure interceptions.

Sonia Mkoloma
GD/GK
Aged 28

Dominant in England's defence, Mkoloma is a determined campaigner with plenty of experience. Mkoloma was key to England's performance at the last two World Championships, and England will look to her again to play at her best on the big stage.

 

Sara Bayman

WD/C 

Aged 23

 

 

Content courtesy of the October 2007 edition of England Netball's magazine.