Metcalf Misses Glasgow
Team England can confirm that Natalie Metcalf (netball) has been ruled out of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games due to injury.
Metcalf sustained a calf injury during the warm-up for a training session at the Team England Prep Camp on Monday 20 July and, following subsequent scans, has now been ruled out of the Games on medical grounds.
Head Coach Anna Stembridge said: “We are all gutted for Nat, to receive this news so close to the Games is devastating, particularly given the incredible journey she has been on over the past 14 months. Watching Nat navigate her return to court after becoming a mum has been nothing short of inspiring and we’re deeply disappointed that she won’t be able to compete in Glasgow.
“Nat has brought so much to the group and she will be a real loss to the team. Her experience at the Commonwealth Games, her netball smarts on court, and her leadership beyond the court will all be hugely missed. At what is a really difficult time, we’re sending Nat all of our love and we’re all completely behind her as she begins her recovery and journey back to court.”
Nat Metcalf said: “I’m honestly devastated to not be able to continue with the team in our Commonwealth Games campaign, it’s been a very emotional couple of days and something that I think will take some time for me to process fully.
“Getting an injury this close to the start line is really really tough for anyone but unfortunately that is the harsh reality of elite sport sometimes. Although this moment really hurts, I am so grateful and proud of myself, my family and all those who helped me make it back onto the court after having my little Miller. The Commonwealth Games was something I set in my sights and although I won’t be finishing the tournament with the team, I am incredibly grateful for my journey back to the game I love so deeply.
“I wish Anna and the team all the best and will be supporting from the sidelines. The girls are ready and I can’t wait for the country to see them get out there!”
With the netball squad’s first action in the Commonwealth Games due to start on Saturday, Ella Clark has travelled to Glasgow where she has joined the squad representing Team England at the Commonwealth Games.
Commenting on Clark’s selection, Stembridge said: “This news brings an exciting opportunity for Ella, who has played an exceptional role as a reserve for the competition during our preparation in recent weeks and has been welcomed into the group in Glasgow this week. Following a phenomenal Netball Super League season this year, Ella has been present throughout our preparation camps for the Games where she has been the ultimate team player, building on her established connection with Jess Shaw in the mid-court, and developing exciting new connections with the likes of Eleanor Cardwell in the shooting circle.
“The tactical diversity that we have across this squad has enabled us the freedom to look beyond a traditional like-for-like positional swap, and this change brings an even richer depth of options in our attack, particularly with Lois Pearson excelling at both goal attack and wing attack. Ella has shown that she has both the form and fitness to withstand, and thrive in, an intense competition schedule that sees us play seven matches across nine days. Taking into account the physical and psychological demands that a Commonwealth Games schedule will put on players, ultimately the decision has been made based on which athlete performed, connected and combined best with the existing squad during our preparation camps and it’s a pleasure to award Ella with the opportunity to compete at her first Commonwealth Games.”
Ella Clark said: “I’m absolutely gutted for Nat after her injury. She’s not only a great friend and teammate but also a fierce competitor who truly deserved this opportunity. While the circumstances are far from what anyone would have wanted, I’m grateful for the chance to step in and represent the team and I’m excited to be part of this incredible group as we head into the Games.”
England’s first netball match at the Commonwealth Games will be against Northern Ireland on Saturday 25 July.