Today’s the day netball fans… Tracey Neville is unveiling the chosen 12 for her squad ahead of the Netball World Cup which starts in Liverpool in just 49 days!
The big question on everyone’s lips today is “who’s going to make it?” Let’s give you our thoughts!
The favourites with the bookies are Geva Mentor and Layla Guscoth in defence, Helen Housby and Jo Harten in goal and Serena Guthrie in the centre, and we’d be surprised to see any of these ladies left out of the final 12.
Based on her recent great form in the Superleague we expect to see Ussoro-Borwn join the solid defence and Natalie Haythornthwaite, Jade Clarke and Chelsea Pitman bridge the gap between the D’s in midcourt. Whilst some may overlook her, we’re going to throw Laura Malcolm into the mix. After moving back to reigning champions Thunder this season, she’s been in great form and we think she’ll get the call-up.
So, by our count, that’s the first 10 spots taken… so who will grab the final 2?
We know that Ama Agbeze hasn’t made the final 12, and Cobden, who in our opinion would have been nailed on to make the squad, is also out after rupturing her ACL last month whilst playing for her Australian team the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Could we see veteran Rachel Dunn called up? Dunn has had another great season for Wasps and we know she can deliver. Whilst Ellie Cardwell hasn’t had much air time for Thunders this season, could she still be a shooting option? Then there’s George Fisher, Ella Clark and Kadeen Corbin who are all options in attack.
With Jodi Gibson suffering from injury, we expect Fran Williams to get a call up. She’s had a great season at Wasps and she’s versatile, giving Tracey plenty of options as to where to play her.
One thing’s for sure, Tracey has got an array of great options which is a great place to be… although it makes her job a difficult one!
We feel it’s time to put our prediction out there, so here goes…
OUR FINAL 12:
Jo Harten
Helen Housby
Nat Haythornthwaite
Rachel Dunn
Jade Clarke
Serena Guthrie
Layla Guscoth
Eboni Ussoro-Brown
Geva Mentor
Chelsea Pitman
Fran Williams
Laura Malcolm
Who do you think will make the final squad? Give us your predictions!
#NetballWorldCup #Roses