England Netball boss Stembridge upbeat ahead of Commonwealth Games bid

England Netball head coach Anna Stembridge believes she has a squad good enough to make a major impact at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Stembridge took charge of England for the second time - she was initially coach from 2011 to 2015 when known as Anna Mayes - in March when Jess Thirlby stepped down from the role.

The 45-year-old saw England lose agonisingly by one goal to both New Zealand and Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, but is hopeful they can overcome their old rivals this time despite the lack of experience in the squad.

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She has been encouraged by the form of some of the younger England players, particularly London Pulse's Olivia Tchine.

Speaking to Sky Sports' Off The Court podcast, Stembridge said: "I'm really confident about this squad. We've got a really beautiful blend in terms of - yes there's not loads that have been to Commonwealth Games, we've only got three athletes - however, on the flip side, you've got that excitement, that vibrancy in terms of people that have never been to a Commonwealth Games and that type of energy is infectious.

"So let's not underestimate what that can do to a squad as well. And we've got brilliant tactical diversity in this group which has always been a huge strength or a real tool to our armoury as an England side.

"We've got some world-class individuals and they are just getting better and better. Like when we see them on the world stage - Olivia Tchine, wow! Around 18 months ago when we went out to Australia and New Zealand she'd been to a World Cup but it was very much like as a peripheral 12.

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Listen to Netball Off the Court podcast

"Since then it gives me goosebumps, she has literally put her hands up and gone, 'I'm here, I'm owning this stage', so people like that we're seeing really develop their trade and really stamp their authority.

"Super excited to see the likes of her saying, 'I'm here and I'm about, dominating this circle' as one example of someone we can be really excited about."

'An honour and an absolute privilege'

Stembridge, who was previously an assistant coach to Thirlby, also explained how she has spent her time over the past few weeks after returning to the senior position.

"It is an honour and it's an absolute privilege," she said. "This type of role is the pinnacle of most coach's careers. In this period of change I was the right person for the role - in terms of providing consistency, clarity for the players and stability.

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"We've got some brilliant foundation and it's important we do build on that. First and foremost I wanted to get out into the clubs, build those connections with the players, build connections with the club coaches - they play such an important part in supporting our players that I wanted to lead by action and get out there, spending time with them in their environment.

"Also make sure as a coaching team that we are doing the analysis. We want to provide clarity in terms of game plan. I want the players to feel really well connected - us as coaches and support staff - and then to have that confidence going into the Commonwealth Games."