ENGLAND’S netball stars will play in the North-East next month as the build up to this summer’s World Cup gathers pace.

Sport Central in Newcastle, which is the home to Netball Super League stalwarts Team Northumbria, will host England’s warm-up game with fierce rivals Scotland on Monday, July 6.

And that means a welcome return for new England coach Tracey Neville, who enjoyed a successful season coaching Team Northumbria in 2011.

“We’re delighted to be heading to Northumbria University as part of our warm-up fixtures for the Netball World Cup,” said Neville, who is the sister of former England and Manchester United duo Gary and Phil.

“It’s essential that we replicate the conditions that will be facing us in Sydney as closely as possible, and by taking England on the road in July we will face incredibly competitive matches in a short period of time.

“It is also a fantastic chance for the supporters of Netball Super League franchises to come out and see the England team in action.

“It’s important that we give something back to those who follow the sport throughout the year, and we hope to see thousands of passionate fans in Newcastle to watch a fiercely-contested fixture against Scotland.”

Team Northumbria’s Hayley Mulheron is expected to start for Scotland despite missing the final weeks of the Super League season through injury.

England and Scotland have been drawn in the same pool, along with Jamaica and Samoa, for the Netball World Cup, which begins in Australia on August 7.

Tickets for the friendly on July 6 (7pm start) are available from Sport Central reception or via http://www.nusportcentral.co.uk/event/netball-world-cup-warm-up.