England U21 squad revealed ahead of Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar

With just over a month to go before the Netball World Youth Cup begins in Gibraltar, England Netball have revealed a squad of 12 athletes who will be competing, along with three non-travelling reserves. 

The Netball World Youth Cup will see the world’s top 20 teams aged 21 and under compete between 19 and 28 September 2025 in Gibraltar in what is the sport's pinnacle event for athletes in this age group. 

England’s squad contains stars from the Vitality and Future Roses programmes as well as those who have stood out and made their mark in the Netball Super League (NSL) and NXT Gen League throughout the 2025 season. This will be the first edition of the tournament since 2017, where England’s Under 21s picked up a bronze medal, falling just short of England’s best performance in a Netball World Youth Cup, previously earning silver medals in both 2005 and 1988. 

England will play their first pool game against Sri Lanka on 20 September, with Jamaica, Tonga and Wales also in their group. 

England Netball World Youth Cup squad 

Athlete - Club (2025 season unless specified otherwise), Position

Celena Appleby-Prince - LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons, Defender

Sophie Egbaran - NIC Leeds Rhinos, Shooter

Tamilore Fapohunda - Manchester Thunder NXT Gen, Defender

Hannah Gibson - London Pulse NXT Gen, Shooter

Isabelle Kaye - Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen, Defending centre court

Sophie Kelly - London Pulse (2026 season), Shooter

Hannah Knightbridge - London Pulse NXT Gen, Attacking centre court

Rihanna Luke - Nottingham Forest Netball NXT Gen, Defender

Isabella Phillips - London Mavericks, Defending centre court

Alanna Pullen - Team Bath NXT Gen, Attacking centre court

Anya Williams - Nottingham Forest Netball (2026 season), Shooter

Yomi Wilson - Manchester Thunder NXT Gen, Defender

Freya Henshall (non-travelling reserve) - Nottingham Forest Netball, Shooter

Jayda Pechová (non-travelling reserve) - Nottingham Forest Netball (2026 season), Defender

Gracie Smith (non-travelling reserve) - London Pulse (2026 season), Defending centre court

Commenting on the squad selected, Roses Pathway Head Coach Sonia Mkoloma said: “I’m incredibly proud to confirm the final 15 athletes who will represent the Roses U21 team at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. This group of players is exciting, and we’ve built a squad that is not only skilful and technically sound but also offers excellent positional balance and tactical versatility. These athletes have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a real hunger to perform at the highest level, and I have no doubt they will represent England with pride on the world stage. 

“Our three reserves also play a vital role within the squad environment. Their commitment, professionalism, and readiness to step in at any moment reflects the strength in depth we have across the England programme, and they remain an integral part of our team. 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the support staff, who have been unwavering in their dedication throughout our preparation. From technical development to athlete welfare, their expertise and consistency have been crucial in shaping this group into a cohesive and competitive unit. 

“This is a really exciting moment for everyone involved, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this team can achieve together at the Netball World Youth Cup.”

For more information, visit the event website www.nwyc2025.gi.