Netball World Cup starts in Liverpool today

England Roses' Eboni Usoro-Brown in action during a previous match at the arena Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire/PA Images

The Vitality Netball World Cup starts in Liverpool today.

England are hoping to build on their success in last year's Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast.

16 teams are competing in the cup.

The opening ceremony at the M & S Bank Arena will have a strong local flavour.

Players will enter the arena to a soundtrack of covers of famous Liverpool songs.

Meanwhile, an official fan zone will also open in the heart of the city.

Taking over Chavasse Park at Liverpool One, the free area will be open each day of the competition until the final on 21st July 2019.

Visitors will be able to watch the match action streamed live on a giant screen, take part in netball activities and enjoy music and entertainment.