England have finished runners-up to Australia in the Netball World Cup after reaching the final for the first time ever.

The Roses trailed the 12-time champions at half-time on Sunday and despite a spirited effort in the second half were unable to triumph in the final in Cape Town, which finished 61-45.

Coming into the event, England were seen as underdogs among the big four nations – Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica being the other countries – but a strong performance in the tournament saw them secure a chance to fight for the trophy.

Coach Jess Thirlby’s team put up a valiant effort, but Australia were sharper, quicker, and more efficient across all departments.

Only Australia and New Zealand have won the World Cup in its modern form, so an England’s victory in South Africa would have been one for the history books.

Nonetheless, the England team that reached the final defied expectations, producing some superb comebacks throughout the tournament to keep their World Cup dream alive.

England even beat Australia 56-55 in a close contest earlier in the tournament, but the Diamonds won the rematch on the biggest stage.

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