GUTHRIE SHOOTS DOWN AUSSIE JIBES

ENGLAND captain Serena Guthrie has hit back at claims the Roses will crumble at the Netball World Cup.

Tracey Neville’s side begin their campaign in Liverpool tonight against Uganda having never come close to winning the biggest prize in the sport.

Reigning champions Australia have already ramped up the mindgames with captain Caitlin Bassett claiming the Commonwealth champions are unprepared for the pressure of winning a home tournament.

But Guthrie (left) hit back: “We are not trying to shy away from the pressure at all.

“Every team in the top five is under pressure. It is about who handles the pressure best.

“Australia are coming into the tournament having lost in the Commonwealth Games and they are very aware of how much it matters to them to keep hold of their world title. We have the advantage of having done it once, and knowing a home competition relaxes us, rather than making us feel more tense.”

Tonight’s game at the M&S Bank Arena looks England’s toughest of the opening round.

They only beat the world’s sixth best team by four goals when the sides met last November.

Guthrie added: “The bottom line is we have to come out and perform. We know so many people will be watching us and it’s great because 10 years ago nobody could care less about the Netball World Cup.

“Being part of a group that can potentially push the game and women’s sport forward even more makes it a very proud moment for us.”

England face Scotland tomorrow and Samoa in their final Group D game on Sunday.

■ England v Uganda, Sky Sport’s Main Event, 7pm.