Cumbrian star Helen Housby has been named in the England netball squad for next month's series against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Housby is in a 15-strong squad for the Quad Series which is held at the Copper Box Arena in London.

It will see the Cumbrian, from Drumleaning near Wigton, quickly back in international action after she helped the Vitality Roses to a series victory over Jamaica earlier this month.

The games against the Australian Diamonds, New Zealand Silver Ferns and South Africa’s SPAR Proteas will - subject to Covid-19 travel restrictions - take place in the series from January 15-19.

They are part of an eight-game contest as the four teams compete to win the Netball Quad Series trophy.

Head coach Jess Thirlby says 26-year-old New South Wales Swifts star Housby is part of a "strong squad" as England continue their preparations for a defence of their Commonwealth Games title in 2022.

She added: "It is indicative of the talent that we have in the Roses programme and competition for places remains high which is helping to drive the high standards we know we will need to meet in order to compete with three of the best teams in the world.

“Whilst we are proud of the recent series wins in New Zealand and against Jamaica, which in turn is helping to build confidence, we are restless in our pursuit for better performances and the Netball Quad Series format certainly poses a much bigger challenge with multiple games against varying styles in quick succession and concluding with finals netball for the first time.

"Having never won the Quad Series we are under no illusion of how tough a challenge it will be and can’t wait to get back on court and bring our fans world leading netball.

“We showed encouraging growth both on and off the court and took away many key learnings from the recent Roses Reunited series.

"We remain focused on improving performances and consolidating squad connections in what is our final international competition of this international window and forms a critical part in our ongoing preparation for the Commonwealth Games."

David Parsons, performance director for England Netball, added: “Our thanks go to the three competing nations, from their players to the performance teams and everyone working behind the scenes to help navigate the evolving guidance relating to operating elite sport during the global pandemic, to ensure the safe delivery of this event."