MORNING BITES: TOONE CALLED UP TO LIONESSES SQUAD, ENGLAND TO HOST NETBALL WORLD CUP FOR FOURTH TIME & WSL AWARDS FOR SEPTEMBER REVEALED
Ella Toone has been called up to the England squad for their upcoming double header against Greece, replacing Lucy Bronze, who sustained a small injury while playing for Chelsea last week.
Toone was originally left out of the squad, with manager Sarina Wiegman citing they had not 'played to their full potential in the last few weeks'.
The Lionesses arrived in Crete yesterday to prepare for Friday's first leg against Greece at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion. The second leg will be played at the King Power Stadium in Leicester next Tuesday.
She scored 24 goals in 69 senior England appearances, winnning back to back European Championships, as well as starting in the 2023 World Cup final defeat by Spain.
England are set to host the 2031 Women's Netball World Cup for the fourth time in Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena, England Netball announced today.
England reached a World Cup final for the first time in 2023 in Cape Town, but were denied a maiden title by South Africa. The Red Roses last hosted the Cup in 2019, where it was held in Liverpool, with past events in Eastbourne and Birmingham.
The announcement comes as England prepares to celebrate its centenary year, with World Netball president Liz Nicholl adding: 'After reviewing their strong bid, I am confident England Netball will host another thrilling international event, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in 2031 and beyond.'
Manchester previously held the Netball Super League Grand Final between London Pulse and AO Thunder this year, with more than 8,000 fans attending.
Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, said: 'To have the best netball players in the world coming to Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect, and I know the city will give them the welcome they deserve. 'This is a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans.'
England Netball chief executive Fran Connolly said the tournament would provide 'a powerful platform to grow the visibility, profile and impact of women's sport and netball across the UK'.
Oceane Hutre won Player of the Month Award in September for her performances in the Women's Super League (WSL), scoring four goals in four apperances for Birmingham City and providing one assist.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Martin Ho won the Manager of the Month award and Charlton Athletic forward Jodie Hutton recieved her Goal of the Month accolade for her strike against London City Lionesses.
Nerea Fernandes
Writer
Her Sports Sphere
October 2026
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