England is gearing up to face New Zealand in the semi-final of the Netball World Cup 2023 with high spirits and confidence, according to former captain Ama Agbeze. The tournament, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa from 28th July to 6th August, has seen England secure a significant victory over 11-time champions Australia, finishing on top of Pool F.
Despite the impressive win, head coach Jess Thirlby emphasizes the importance of backing it up against New Zealand, stating that the team must beat every opponent to reach the final. Agbeze notes that New Zealand hasn’t been performing at their best, giving England a sense of optimism heading into the semi-final clash.
The match between England and New Zealand is scheduled for 10:00 BST on Saturday, with Australia facing Jamaica at 15:00. England’s form has been growing throughout the tournament, and they are looking to build on their previous successes against New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
While Thirlby appreciates having met New Zealand and Jamaica frequently in the past, she also acknowledges the importance of considering in-tournament form. England’s development in this competition has been notable, overcoming slow starts and working on reducing errors as the team experiments with different lineups.
Jamaica, ranked fourth in the world, aims to seek revenge against Australia after their loss in the 2022 Commonwealth Games final. Spearheaded by captain and prolific shooter Jhaniele Fowler, Jamaica hopes to secure their first-ever World Cup final appearance. Many observers view them as a team with flair, passion, and consistency, making them a formidable force in the competition.
While England remains a favored team for Agbeze, she recognizes Jamaica’s impressive form and potential to clinch the title. If both England and Jamaica make it to the final, it would be a historic moment as it would be the first time in World Cup history that the final does not include Australia or New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Netball World Cup 2023
Q: When and where is the Netball World Cup 2023 taking place?
A: The Netball World Cup 2023 is being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 28th July to 6th August.
Q: Who are the teams in the semi-final?
A: In the semi-final, England will be facing New Zealand, while Australia will be up against Jamaica.
Q: How is England’s form in the tournament?
A: England has shown improvement throughout the tournament, finishing on top of their pool and securing a significant victory over Australia.
Q: What is the importance of the match between England and New Zealand?
A: The match is crucial for England as they aim to reach their first-ever Netball World Cup final. They are hopeful due to New Zealand’s shaky performance in the tournament.
Q: Who are the key players to watch in the competition?
A: Keep an eye on Jhaniele Fowler, the prolific shooter and captain of Jamaica, as she aims to lead her team to their first World Cup final appearance.
Q: What is at stake if England and Jamaica make it to the final?
A: If England and Jamaica both reach the final, it would be a historic moment, as it would be the first time in World Cup history that the final does not include Australia or New Zealand.
More about Netball World Cup 2023
- Netball World Cup 2023
- BBC Sport: Netball World Cup Coverage
- Netball World Cup 2023: fixtures, scores, and results
- Netball World Cup on BBC
- Netball World Cup – Wikipedia
- Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town
- Jhaniele Fowler – Sunshine Girls Profile
- England Netball Official Website
- Netball New Zealand Official Website
- Jamaica Netball Association Official Website
