The Roses' first match on home soil since last year's Netball World Cup ended in disappointment as the Silver Ferns proved much stronger - just as they had done last July in Liverpool when they beat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The Ferns began the new era without retired veterans Maria Folau and Casey Kopua but Maia Wilson, a former national basketball player, caught the eye with 27 goals. 

England, too, were missing a number of leading players. 

But new England coach Jess Thirlby, who has replaced Tracey Neville, admitted her side had a lot of work to do after suffering their biggest defeat to New Zealand since 2017.

"The first-half was good but we made too many errors," she said. 

"It was a disappointing second-half.

"We were up against the world champions and yes they've got a couple of changes [to the squad from the World Cup] but there's some seasoned internationals in there,"

In the earlier contest, Jamaica, knocked out in the second stage of the World Cup and suffering from internal problems at home, defeated South Africa 59-54.

The competition is now due to move to Arena Birmingham for the second match-day on Wednesday (January 22).

Jamaica are set to face New Zealand and England meet South Africa. 

The final weekend is scheduled to take place at the Copper Box Arena in London on January 25 and 26.