England entered their second Pool A match at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after opening their campaign with a commanding 83-34 victory over Northern Ireland, however, Anna Stembridge’s side were handed a heavy defeat on Sunday as Australia cruised to a 66-47 win at The Hydro in Glasgow.
The reigning Commonwealth champions, the Australian Diamonds, came off a ruthless performance on the opening morning, thrashing Tonga 99-38 as the world number ones looked to go back-to-back for the second time in Games history.
Against the Northern Ireland Warriors, the Roses seized control from the opening quarter, producing a composed and clinical display that showcased their attacking depth and defensive intensity in multiple partnerships.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, facing the reigning world and Commonwealth Games champions, England were handed an early reality check as the Diamonds produced a ruthless performance to secure a 66-47 victory.
In a replay of the 2023 World Cup Final and the 2018 Commonwealth Gold Medal Match, the scoreline reflected Australia’s dominance for much of the contest, however England’s response in the closing stages offered encouraging signs as Anna Stembridge’s side now turn their attention to the remainder of the group stage.
England Starting Seven
GK: Francesca Williams, GD: Funmi Fadoju, WD: Imo Allison, C: Amy Carter, WA: Lois Pearson, GA: Sasha Glasgow, GS: Liv Tchine
Impact players: Halimat Adio, Eleanor Cardwell, Ella Clark, Jayda Pechová and Jess Shaw
Match Recap
Australia wasted little time asserting themselves, forcing England onto the back foot with relentless defensive pressure and quick clinical ball movement through the court. The Diamonds converted turnovers into goals with ruthless efficiency, while Sophie Garbin proved almost unstoppable under the post, finishing with 41/42 at 98%.
England struggled to settle during the opening exchanges as Australia’s high press disrupted their attacking rhythm, leading to a run of 7 straight goals to set the Diamonds up for an 18-11 quarter break lead. The Roses found it difficult to establish any sustained possession, allowing the Diamonds to capitalise on the Roses’ errors, particularly the disconnect in the mid court.
In the third quarter, Australia outscored England 21-11, stretching their advantage through clinical centre-pass conversion and rapid transitions from defence to attack. Garbin’s accuracy in the shooting circle, supported by Kiera Austin’s movement and precise feeding, consistently exposed gaps in England’s defensive unit. This dominance was followed by Stacey Marinkovich utilising her bench for the last quarter.
Recognising the need for change, Anna Stembridge rotated her squad throughout the contest. The introduction of fresh players, including Eleanor Cardwell, gave England greater composure in attack and helped the Roses produce a much-improved final quarter, winning it 12-10.
Although England finished the stronger of the two sides, Australia’s earlier dominance ensured the Diamonds comfortably closed out a 66-47 victory.
Next for the Roses:
- Monday 27th July: vs Malawi (14:00 BST)
- Wednesday 29th July: vs Tonga (16:00 BST)
- Thursday 30th July: vs South Africa (21:00 BST)
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