ENGLAND has become the second country to announce its squad for January’s Nations Cup.

A squad of 14 has been released, which consists of 11 players who played in the recent series against South Africa, plus three big inclusions.

Roses captain Natalie Metcalf and star shooter Helen Housby are both back in the squad after extended breaks, as is Razia Quashie, who had to pull out of the recent series against South Africa due to personal reasons.

Alongside the senior squad, England Netball has also announced a 12-player “A squad” that will play a series of matches against the travelling teams.

It is going to be a busy time for Ellie Rattu, who has been named in both squads.

Speaking on the announcement, England head coach Jess Thirlby said she was looking forward to the next big international challenge.

“Competition in January always presents a great opportunity for us and this Nations Cup will be another step up and brilliant test for our young, talented squad against world champions Australia, world number two New Zealand and the ever-exciting Uganda She Cranes,” Thirlby said.

“With an intense format of two back-to-back match weekends, against diverse styles of play and a Final to compete for, it’s set to be the perfect platform to continue to showcase what our team are capable of. With the Nations Cup coming so soon after the exhilarating series win against South Africa, we hope to see the crowds come out in force once again in both London and Leeds.

“This has been one of the hardest selections since coming into the role, testament to the players who continue to push themselves and each other, and a healthy sign of the progress being made to ensure we have a continual pipeline of talent prepared to do the work and set us up for more success both now and in the years to come.”

England Squad Nations Cup

Halimat Adio      

Imogen Allison

Eleanor Cardwell

Amy Carter

Funmi Fadoju    

Sasha Glasgow  

Helen Housby    

Hannah Joseph 

Nat Metcalf        

Berri Neil            

Jayda Pechova   

Razia Quashie

Ellie Rattu

Fran Williams    

Reserves: Olivia Tchine and Alicia Scholes

England A Squad

Ella Bowen

Sophie Drakeford-Lewis

Alice Harvey        

Elle Mcdonald

Taylor Mckevitt

Vicki Oyesola

Jayda Pechova

Ellie Rattu

Paige Reed

Alicia Scholes

Olivia Tchine

Emma Thacker