TRACEY NEVILLE took her goal haul to 176 as England finished up as bronze medalists in the World Netball Championships in New Zealand.

The Bury ace hit the net five times from seven attempts in the 54-44 semi-final defeat by Australia and then landed 18 from 30 as she played the entire game in the 57-43 play-off win over Jamaica that clinched third place and bronze.

It's the best England finish since they lifted silver in 1975. They have had the bronze before in Jamaica in 1971 and Eastbourne in 1963.

National coach Mary Beardwood took great heart from the display against Australia, who went on to retain their title in a nail-biting 42-41 win over New Zealand.

"We usually lose by 20 points against Australia, so it just proves we are getting closer and closer. We're not too unhappy," said Beardwood.

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