17 Mar 2026
Lizzie Newton
Netball writer
Welcome to this special edition of the Telegraph Netball Newsletter, where we bring you breaking news from the England set-up.
What does Jess Thirlby’s decision mean for England?
Jess Thirlby has stepped down as England netball head coach four months before the Commonwealth Games, citing the need to process the death of her father.
“No matter how much we love what we do, we are all still human,” Thirlby said in a statement. “On reflection, I was mistaken to not prioritise and process the loss of my father at the time of his death, instead, and without regret, travelling with the team for the World Cup [in 2023] and the subsequent series in New Zealand.
“Everything I have done since has been to prioritise the England Roses and with this in mind, I feel that stepping down as head coach now is best for me and my family.”
Read the full story ➤
Below, Sarah Mockford looks into the implications of Thirlby’s decision for England’s prospects in the coming months.
Sarah Mockford
Women’s Sport Editor
No one can fault Jess Thirlby for her decision – this is more important than sport. She has recognised that things were not right and is now prioritising her family and grieving her father.
No one can fault her for her commitment to the England team over the past six-and-a-half years, either. During that time she guided the Roses to a historic silver medal at the 2023 World Cup and the team are ranked third in the world as she departs the set-up.
So where does this leave the England team just a few months out from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow?
The decision to promote assistant coach Anna Stembridge to the head role through to the Games is a smart one. She is familiar with the squad, the game plan and so on, and it provides continuity for the players.
Anna Stembridge (left) is taking over from Jess Thirlby (right) while Jo Harten (centre) is also re-joining the set-up
That is particularly important when England do not have any more Test matches scheduled before the tournament gets under way in late July, so they will need to hit the ground running in Glasgow. A new coach with new ideas would likely have proved more disruptive as they seek to repeat their gold-medal winning feat in 2018.
Bringing Jo Harten back into the set-up also looks like a good move; she won more than 100 caps as a player and was part of the coaching team when England won silver at the 2023 World Cup. Her experience and bond with the squad will be a huge benefit.
Best wishes to Jess and the Roses.
Thanks for reading this special edition of the Netball newsletter. We’ll be back again on Saturday.
– Lizzie Newton
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