England will face Jamaica in the Horizon Series this weekend, with matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Fans can follow the live stream of the events on El-Balad.
Overview of the Horizon Series
Jamaica comes off a successful campaign in the inaugural 2024 Horizon Series, winning 2-1 against England. This victory allowed Jamaica to surpass England in the world rankings, placing them third overall.
Importance of Upcoming Matches
With less than a year remaining until the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, these matches are vital for both teams. The series provides essential game experience for the players.
Current Rankings and Team Status
- Jamaica: Ranked third in the world
- England (Vitality Roses): Ranked fourth
- New Zealand: Ranked second after defeating England in the last series
Recent Performance of England
England’s recent performance included a disappointing 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand. The matches highlighted various player contributions, especially Eleanor Cardwell, who made her return after a knee injury. Despite a commendable performance, England lost the series decider 55-49.
Key Players
- Eleanor Cardwell: Star shooter who returned from injury
- Helen Housby: Key performer in the second game, scored 23 points
Head coach Jess Thirlby noted the team’s struggles, describing them as “really flat” and “a little bit too slow to adjust” following the final match.
Looking Ahead
As the series against Jamaica approaches, both teams are eager to refine their strategies and improve their standings ahead of the Commonwealth Games. This weekend’s matches are expected to deliver intense competition and exciting moments for netball fans.
