England’s Natalie Metcalf says it “will take some time to process fully” after she was ruled out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow because of a calf injury.
The 33-year-old, who had returned to action last December following the birth of her daughter 14 months ago, picked up the issue on Monday and has been ruled out following scans.
Metcalf helped England win Commonwealth Games gold on the Gold Coast in Australia eight years ago and was the only player in the 2026 squad who featured in that 2018 triumph.
“I’m devastated to not be able to continue with the team,” said Metcalf, who has been replaced in the squad by Ella Clark.
“It’s been a very emotional couple of days and something that I think will take some time for me to process fully.”
The Roses, who are ranked third in the world, are in Pool A along with world number one-ranked Australia plus South Africa, Malawi, Tonga and Northern Ireland, against whom they begin their campaign on 25 July.
Metcalf, who captained the England side beaten by New Zealand in the bronze medal match at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, helped Manchester Thunder win the Netball Super League last season.
“We are all gutted for Nat. To receive this news so close to the Games is devastating, particularly given the incredible journey she has been on over the past 14 months,” said England head coach Anna Stembridge.
“Watching Nat navigate her return to court after becoming a mum has been nothing short of inspiring and we’re deeply disappointed she won’t be able to compete in Glasgow.”
