England's netball team bounced back from a heavy defeat by Australia to beat Malawi 73-38 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, easing concerns after a difficult start to their title defence. The result matters because England are chasing a return to Commonwealth gold, having last won it in 2018, and have endured a turbulent build-up to the tournament with coaching upheaval and injuries disrupting the squad.

England raced into an 18-9 lead in the first quarter and never relinquished control, restricting Malawi to just five points in the final quarter while scoring 18 themselves. Substitute goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell impressed, converting all 21 of her shot attempts after coming on in the second half. The win leaves England third in Pool A behind Australia and South Africa, with matches against Tonga and then South Africa – a key semi-final rival – to come this week. The Roses' preparation has been complicated by Jess Thirlby's departure as head coach in March and injuries to key players, meaning 10 of the 12-strong squad are making their Commonwealth Games debuts.