SCREAM OF THE CROP Neville’s scare tactics have Housby shooting for the very top

HELEN HOUSBY has revealed how England coach Tracey Neville screams in her face to prepare her for the pressure of nailing medalwinning goals.

Star shooter Housby has been the poster girl for the Commonwealth Games champions ever since her last-gasp penalty 15 months ago turned the final England’s way with time already expired. The 24-year-old was shown screaming in stunned disbelief before piling on top of team-mates to celebrate snatching the title from favourites Australia.

Her amazed expression caught the attention of fans, including David Beckham who immediately wrote to congratulate her on the 52-51 win. And now, as she prepares for England’s opening game of the World Cup in Liverpool tomorrow, Housby is ready to repeat her Commonwealth Games heroics.

She said: “It was all a blur. I was focused on my technique. It was one moment in a 60-minute match but I did know the time had run out and I knew we deserved to win it. I felt the shock and relief afterwards. It was a very proud moment.”

Neville’s intimidation tactics in training are par for the course for Housby, who will do whatever it takes for England to win the World Cup. “I’ve had sessions with Tracey where she just shouts gibberish in my face, doing anything she can to put me off,” she said. “I actually love the pressure of a tight match. I thrive on the fact I can stay relaxed, even though I do have to remind myself to breathe. I take a massive breath before I shoot, which is why in every action photo you see of me my mouth is always wide open.”

Housby (above) insists winning the Commonwealth Games has made it easier for the Roses to reach for the sky.

“I always wanted to say we off to decide third and fourth overall. were going out to win, but I couldn’t because we hadn’t won anything. It’s a relief to finally be able to say it.”

Elite netball matches average 100 goals per game, which leaves shooters like Housby no room for error.

England reached the final of the 2018 Commonwealth Games only by beating Jamaica by a single goal in the semis.

Housby says she is ready for England’s matches to go down to the wire in what is set to be netball’s most fiercely contested World Cup ever. “I get a lot of pleasure out of winning a game by one,” she said.

“It’s more satisfying, knowing that the other team were with you all the way and you still came out on top.

“Don’t get me wrong, though. I’ll be very happy to take a 10-goal win.”