England edge NZ to set up Australia final

England beat New Zealand by one goal in a frantic match to reach the final of the Nations Cup, where they will meet world number ones Australia on Sunday.

In front of a raucous crowd at Leeds' First Direct Arena, the Roses edged a thrilling 58-57 victory.

The match ebbed and flowed but England led by three going into the final quarter and had just enough to see out the victory.

New Zealand are ranked second in the world, ahead of England in third.

The contest was the latest in a series of thrilling matches between the Roses and the Silver Ferns and, having both lost to 12-time world champions Australia last weekend in London, both sides knew they had to win it to book a place in the final.

In the World Cup semi-final last year, England came out on top, preventing New Zealand from featuring in the final for the first time in the tournament's history, before the Silver Ferns won a tightly contested three-match series 2-1 on their home turf in September.

Head coach Jess Thirlby opted for a youthful team in that series but the return of England's experienced players as well as prolific New Zealand shooter Grace Nweke, who was injured for much of last year, made for a tight match.

England came firing out of the blocks and it took three and a half minutes for the Silver Ferns to score, by which time the Roses had raced to a five-goal lead thanks to impressive defensive work from Razia Quashie, playing in a tournament for England for the first time since 2020.

But sloppiness on both sides gave the match a chaotic feel - much to the enjoyment of a buoyant Leeds crowd - and before long the Silver Ferns were back in touching distance, taking a one-goal lead into half-time.

England had moments of brilliance - Fran Williams executed the perfect long-range pass to find Eleanor Cardwell under the post while Helen Housby continued to lead from the front in what has been a superb tournament for the 29-year-old.

Concerningly for the partisan crowd, Imogen Allison, a stalwart in Thirlby's mid-court, left the court injured in the second period and looked to be in some discomfort on the bench.

But, her replacement Ellie Rattu, making just her ninth England appearance, showed her potential as she piled the pressure on a strong New Zealand attack, spearheaded by Nweke, who scored 47 of her 50 attempts.

Both teams' benches were on their feet for the final 15 minutes, screaming encouragement and instructions as New Zealand closed the gap to one with minutes on the clock.

But, with Allison back on court - albeit with heavy strapping to her leg - England were composed to ensure a brilliant victory.

Earlier on Saturday, Australia - already sure of their place in the final after two wins in London last week - faced Uganda for the first time in their history, beating them 63-49.

They will take on England in a repeat of the World Cup final on Sunday at 16:15 GMT after New Zealand face Uganda in the third-match play-off.