Metcalf and Cardwell aim for gold after returns to action

What the report says

BBC News reported that England netball players Natalie Metcalf and Eleanor Cardwell are targeting Commonwealth Games gold after returning from major life and career setbacks. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire before the 2026 Games in Glasgow, Metcalf said selection for a third Commonwealth Games felt especially meaningful after giving birth to her daughter, Miller, 14 months ago.

Metcalf, 33, is the only remaining member of England’s 2018 Commonwealth Games gold-winning squad in the current group, according to the BBC. She returned to action in December after maternity leave and went on to win the Netball Super League with Manchester Thunder last season. The former England captain said having her daughter in the stands would add to the occasion and described the wider significance of mothers returning to elite sport.

Cardwell, Metcalf’s Manchester Thunder team-mate, is also coming into the tournament after domestic success, including a Suncorp Super Netball title in Australia with Adelaide Thunderbirds. The BBC reported that her recent progress followed a serious knee injury suffered during a series against Australia in October 2024, when she damaged her meniscus and feared her career could be in jeopardy.

England missed out on a medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, losing the bronze medal match to New Zealand. Cardwell told the BBC that the top level of international netball has become increasingly competitive, with several Commonwealth nations now realistic contenders, making the route to the semi-finals less predictable than in past tournaments.