WALES' medal hopes at the Netball World Cup in Sydney were all but ended today as they were with beaten 78-33 by England.

Wales, who also lost to South Africa yesterday, remain bottom of Pool F after two straight defeats in the second round stage Down Under.

Gwent aces Emma Thomas and Georgia Rowe and teammates now take on 10-time champions Australia in their third and final group game.

The top two teams from each second-round pool progress to the semi-finals, which will be held on Saturday, before Sunday's grand final.

England  ranked third in the world, lost to holders and hosts Australia in the first match of the second group stage on Tuesday and now face South Africa on Friday with a semi-final place at stake.

The Roses got off to a rapid start against Wales and took a dominating 42-16 lead by half-time.

Although Wales failed to recover, they produced the best netball of the third quarter with 20-year-old Caerleon goal shooter Rowe impressing under the posts.

"We're going to be going hard for that fifth place and striving to be as high as we possibly can," coach Trish Wilcox told BBC Wales Sport.

"It's tough. We were playing the third [ranked] team in the world [England] and obviously they had a point to prove and came out strong.

"And I thought the girls kept going and kept battling for the four quarters.

"We didn't have a good start. They came out stronger and we were playing catch up then.

"We have to relish these opportunities to play against these top nations.

"We don't get them often so the girls are focusing on improving, being better each time with their personal performances."