England netball has suffered a significant setback with goal shooter Helen Housby ruled out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to a persistent back injury. The July 23-August 2 event will proceed without one of the Vitality Roses' most experienced players, following scans that confirmed she cannot compete this summer.

Housby's injury first emerged in April, forcing her to miss an extended period of the Suncorp Super Netball season in Australia. The 28-year-old has been a cornerstone of English netball, notably scoring the dramatic last-second winner that secured gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Her absence removes a proven clutch performer from England's attacking lineup.

The setback comes with the Netball World Cup in Sydney approaching, though Housby remains focused on recovery rather than the upcoming international calendar. She expressed devastation at missing Team England duties but praised the support from England Netball, New South Wales Swifts, and fans during her rehabilitation.

England's squad faces increased pressure to deliver in Glasgow without their mainstay goal shooter. Housby's experience and shooting accuracy will be difficult to replace, making this a critical injury for the team's medal aspirations.