England are dealt a HUGE blow as captain Serena Guthrie announces retirement from netball

England captain Serena Guthrie has introduced she is pregnant and retiring from netball – dealing a large blow to the Roses’ hopes of retaining their Commonwealth title.

The 32-year-old was a key participant for England after they gained their historic gold medal on the Gold Coast in 2018 and was set to guide her nation on the Games in Birmingham this summer season.

However, Guthrie – broadly thought-about as the world’s finest centre – has now known as time on her illustrious 15-year profession, which noticed her win 110 worldwide caps and seem at three World Cups and two Commonwealth Games.

England captain Serena Guthrie has introduced she is pregnant and retiring from netball

‘Being a mum is an amazing new chapter in my life and I’m really excited about what that’s going to bring to me,’ admitted the Team Bath participant.

‘The news came as a bit of a surprise but an amazing surprise. I’d all the time deliberate to undergo to the Commonwealth Games this 12 months however my associate Bob and I have been additionally planning to begin a household as effectively.

‘It’s a little bit sooner than anticipated however we’re each actually excited and tremendous completely satisfied about shifting into parenthood and father or mother life.

‘I’d all the time meant to retire after the Commonwealths, so I’ve made the choice to roll that retirement ahead and I will likely be stepping away from the elite sport and worldwide sport.

‘I’ve made so many unbelievable recollections and achieved so many unbelievable issues all through my profession.

Guthrie insists she all the time meant to retire after the Commonwealth Games, however determined to carry it ahead after turning into pregnant

‘It’s been an absolute pleasure and honour to have been in a position to play netball domestically and internationally for therefore lengthy.

‘It’s been a real privilege to be the Roses captain for as long as I have and I want to thank everyone for their support in helping to make my journey in netball so special.’

England head coach Jess Thirlby admitted Guthrie’s retirement is a massive loss to the group forward of Birmingham 2022.

‘Serena is the ultimate team player, always putting the needs of the team above herself,’ she mentioned. ‘Whilst we will miss her hugely, it is a time to celebrate all that Serena has contributed not only to the Vitality Roses but to the sport overall.

‘Her legacy will continue to live on in generations of players to come, such is the impact she has had on and beyond the court.

‘There is nothing more important in life than life itself and to be fortunate enough to begin the journey of parenthood is always such a special moment.’