England Netball President Eboni Usoro-Brown joins Georgie Ainslie to reveal the resilience, sacrifice and team culture behind the greatest momentsin English netball history.
At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, England defeated Australia 52–51 to win their first major international netball title. Eboni explains how the Roses recovered from losing a warm-up match by 40 goals, embraced their status as underdogs and entered the final believing they could beat the best team in the world.
She also reflects on her demanding relationship with head coach Tracey Neville. Eboni admits that she did not like Neville at the time, but now recognises how her clarity, toughness and willingness to have difficult conversations helped create a championship-winning team.
Now, as President of England Netball, Eboni shares her ambitions to increase the sport’s visibility, attract greater commercial investment and connect the elite game more closely with its grassroots community. She also gives her verdict on England’s Commonwealth Games prospects and the campaign to bring netball into the Olympic Games.
FAQs
Who is Eboni Usoro-Brown?
Eboni Usoro-Brown is a former England international netball player, qualified lawyer and President of England Netball. She represented the national team for 17 years and was part of the Roses squad that won Commonwealth Games gold in 2018.
What did Eboni Usoro-Brown win with England?
Eboni was part of the England team that defeated Australia 52–51 in the 2018 Commonwealth Games final on the Gold Coast. It was England’s first major international netball title.
How did England beat Australia in the 2018 Commonwealth Games final?
Eboni credits England’s victory to its team culture, emotional control, clear leadership and ability to focus on winning each quarter rather than becoming distracted by the final result.
What does Eboni say about Tracey Neville?
Eboni describes former England head coach Tracey Neville as demanding, direct and tough. She admits that she did not like her at the time, but says Neville’s leadership gave every player clarity about their role and helped the team win gold.
What is Eboni Usoro-Brown’s role at England Netball?
As President of England Netball, she helps represent and promote the sport. Her priorities include increasing netball’s visibility, encouraging commercial investment and amplifying the voices of players, coaches, officials and volunteers throughout the game.
Does Eboni believe England can win the next Commonwealth Games?
Yes. Eboni believes England can win gold, although she warns that international netball is stronger and more competitive than ever. She says players must maintain exceptional standards and make it impossible for selectors to leave them out.
Could netball become an Olympic sport?
There is an ambition to include netball at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Eboni explains that the continued development of men’s and mixed netball could strengthen the sport’s case for Olympic inclusion.
Can you have it all, according to Eboni Usoro-Brown?
Eboni believes you can have it all, but not all at the same time. She views life as a series of chapters in which different ambitions, responsibilities and relationships may take priority.
The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
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