England sealed their third place in the 2023 Quad Series by defeating South Africa in the third round of the tournament; The Roses lost to Australia and New Zealand to miss out on a place in the finals
Last Updated: 25/01/23 9:02pm
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England head coach Jess Thirlby says it was important for his team to end the Quad Series and win the World Cup this summer.
England head coach Jess Thirlby says it was important for his team to end the Quad Series and win the World Cup this summer.
England head coach Jess Thirlby has praised her team for showing “grit” to seal third place in the Quad Series but has admitted that “maturity” is needed ahead of this summer’s Netball World Cup.
The Roses won their third match against hosts South Africa to claim their first win in four matches at the tournament.
England clashed with South Africa in the opening round of the tournament, both sides losing to eventual champions Australia and New Zealand.
The tournament was the last chance for England – and their rivals – to prepare for the World Cup, which starts on July 28 in Cape Town.
“It was bad, it wasn’t the best,” Thirlby told Sky Sports. “But I think given the journey through the Quad Series that we’ve had, I felt it was a good way to finish and show grit, basically, which I think this team is known for.”
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Watch the best of the third-placed match between England and South Africa in the Netball Quad Series.
“It was a good trip. We are about to get a chance to compete with those above us.
“We’re respected by New Zealand and Australia, but we’ve found ways to put them down, which is a small part for us that we need to improve as much as we can. finish the game and punish them again.”
The Quad Series quickly followed England’s three-match series with Jamaica, which Thirlby’s side won 2-1.
England are ranked third in the rankings, one place ahead of Jamaica. Australia tops New Zealand’s rankings, while South Africa is fifth.
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Thirlby describes the defeat against New Zealand as “bittersweet”, but says a number of players have stood up for selection to play in the netball World Cup this summer.
“In the weeks after this, there’s going to be a lot to take in, and that’s important to acknowledge,” Thirlby said.
“This game is here with a purpose. We put ourselves in the bottom two, that’s a lot to ask of the team but that’s what we need before the summer.”
The Quad Series ends a long spell for England, which saw them miss out on a medal at the home Commonwealth Games this summer, then beat Uganda at home before losing 3-0 when they toured Australia in October and November.
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Some highlights of the Netball Quad Series clash between England and New Zealand.
“I don’t think I can handle all the noise and opposition, but I’m going to protect this team from destruction,” Thirlby said.
“Their unity, cooperation and loyalty to each other is unquestionable. They see winning and losing equally, which is what any competitive side that is on the road to always trying to win must do.
“So this team for me, is one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with and it’s great to see the confidence of their team growing in January.”
‘There is no ignoring Fadoju’ | ‘Tie him with cotton wool’
Perhaps the most encouraging thing England did during the Quad Series was the continued emergence of Funmi Fadoju, who had established himself as a key player ahead of the World Cup.
After making his international debut against Uganda in October, the 20-year-old defender looks set to become one of the game’s biggest stars.
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Funmi Fadoju showed her quick reaction skills with a stunning combination for South Africa in the netball Quad Series.
His success was on display against South Africa when the innings changed which helped England to victory.
“There is no ignoring Funmi Fadoju,” said Thirlby. “If there’s anyone to give credit to, I think it’s Funmi today.
“He chooses his timing, with such maturity, to realize that when we are in the game we need more.
“I just think what he did was great, but the people around him let him go.”
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Fadoju reflects on England’s win over South Africa in the third edition of the Quad Series and congratulates teammate Jade Clarke on her 200th cap for England.
Former England international Pamela Cookey agreed with Thirlby’s view that the Roses have found the right way to allow Fadoju to thrive.
“This was the defensive team we know and love,” Cookey said on Sky Sports.
“The support Fadoju had from Geva (Mentor) at the back allowed him to play forward – he had Jade (Clarke) in the middle and Layla (Guscoth) at wing-back.
“That combination is safe, it’s tried, tested and we’ve seen them get a lot of ball, so once you put it in there, it can fly.”
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How can England prepare for the World Cup? Tamsin Greenway and Pamela Cookey discuss ahead of England and South Africa in the semi-final in the Quad series.
Former Roses player Tamsin Greenaway was also impressed with Fadoju’s performance, but expressed concern about England’s weaknesses in attack.
“Defensively, they were smart,” Fadoju said. “I can’t blame the whole court, they are doing a very good job.
“But the offense was solid at times, the biggest part was the 13-goal quarter. Even in the last quarter where Funmi gave us about seven possessions, we only put 13 on the board.
“We have to look and change. I think playing on a strong line helps you to cope better.
“Defense wise, I’m just wrapping Funmi in cotton wool (until the World Cup).”
