GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 09: Ama Agbeze of England competes for the ball against Chelsea Lewis of Wales during to the Netball Preliminary round match between England and Wales on day five of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast Convention Centre on April 9, 2018 on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
With the Vitality Netball World Cup taking place in Liverpool from 12-21 July, Tracey Neville and the Vitality Roses are gearing up for the challenge.
It’s been a four year build up to this major event and many athletes have contributed to the success of the Vitality Roses in that time, which has seen them move to second in the International Netball Federation’s world rankings; their highest position to date.
Tracey Neville is yet to announce the final 12 that will compete at the World Cup, however Ama Agbeze, who captained the squad at the Commonwealth Games in April 2018, has been included in the long squad of 20 but not named in the final 12.
Each member of the long squad could be called up at any time to partake in the World Cup.
Tracey said: “The World Cup is a challenging competition due to its format and the potential opposition we will come up against. All players selected for this competition are at their physical peak and have shown through the international/ club season that they are able to put out consistent performances on a regular basis under extreme pressure, which is crucial leading into July.
“The selection process began last July, since that time Ama has faced many challenges including ongoing injuries which have meant that she has missed out on several playing opportunities, which are crucial leading into selection.
“Ama is a valuable player, plus an integral training partner leading into the World Cup and we will be working very hard with her over the next few months to ensure she is in the best possible shape as she is one of the 20 players in our long squad and could be called up to play at the World Cup at any time.
“We always say that each competition is not just about the players we take, but the ones supporting us behind the scenes.”
Keep your eye out for more information coming soon on the Vitality Netball World Cup squad.
