Whenever England play in the capital it is a special occasion and we are expecting an electric atmosphere at the 7,500 seat arena as the fans once again unite in red to cheer their heroes on to victory.

Dennis Hone, Chief Executive, London Legacy Development Corporation, said “This announcement is great news for the ‘Box that rocks’. GLL have secured some fantastic sporting events from becoming home to the London

Lions and securing a six fight boxing deal with Frank Warren, and now England Netball.

“With local people using the leisure and sporting facilities, we are seeing this multi-use venue come to life.  We are proud that Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to two international netball games.”

This will be the first time in three years that New Zealand will have travelled to our shores in the traditional form of the game, with the reigning Commonwealth champions showing their class in a 3-0 Series win last time round.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing in England for the Silver Ferns as a frenetic match went to extra-time in 2009 with New Zealand eventually coming out on top 65-59. A couple of years earlier and England were celebrating a memorable victory over the Ferns, their first taste of success against their opponents in 32 years.

A more familiar opponent in recent times, Jamaica represents no easier a challenge. A fine trio of performances in Kingston saw England overcome the Sunshine Girls when they last met in the Caribbean in April.

However, when they visited us in September 2012 it was a much closer affair as Jamaica secured a win in Liverpool and forced England into a decider at Sheffield in order to complete a 2-1 Series victory.

The fixtures for the ZEO International Netball Series are as follows;

Tri-Series

Friday 17th January – New Zealand v Jamaica, Wembley Arena

Saturday 18th January – England v Jamaica, Wembley Arena

Monday 20th January – England v New Zealand, Copper Box Arena

Additional International Fixture

Tuesday 21st January – England v Jamaica, Copper Box Arena

You can follow all of the build-up and live action from these International fixtures on England Netball’s official Facebook and Twitter pages.