'Gutted' Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith lead host of big-name Team England withdrawals from Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

React to this story

Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith are among a raft of big-name withdrawals from the Team England squad on the eve of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Also out are Matthew Hudson-Smith, Zak Seddon, Amber Anning and Daryll Neita.

How the Commonwealth Games differs from the Olympics explained

Video credit: TNT Sports

Niamh Emerson, Renee Regis, Ebuka Nwokeji, Tara Simpson-Sullivan and Tom Keen are all confirmed to have joined Team England ahead of the start of the athletics programme.

Heptathlete Johnson-Thompson, who took her first Olympic medal with silver at the Paris 2024 Games, is also a two-time world champion.

She would have been going for three successive Commonwealth golds but has now withdrawn from the event in what is another blow for Team England, following the news that Natalie Metcalf has been ruled out of the netball squad through injury.

Commonwealth Games Athletics

'Most special man on the planet' – Kerr lauded as ‘unbeatable’ streak continues

02/08/2026 at 12:08

"I'm gutted to have to pull out of this year's Commonwealth Games," Johnson-Thompson wrote on Instagram.

"I was so looking forward to competing on home soil and having the chance to defend my Commonwealth title. Although the injury I picked up earlier this season has improved, I haven't been able to get back to the level I need to compete at my best.

"After discussing it with my team, we've made the difficult decision to focus on giving myself the best chance of being ready for the European Championships, so working very hard to be there later this season. Missing a championship is never easy, but I know it's the right decision. I can't wait to be back competing again soon."

Johnson-Thompson has been replaced by Emerson, who won bronze in the heptathlon at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Three-time Olympic medallist Asher-Smith was due to compete in the women’s 4x100m relay, an event she has excelled in during her career, but her place has been taken by 20-year-old Regis.

Sprinters Hudson-Smith, Neita and Anning have all won multiple Olympic medals, so their withdrawals will also dent England's prospects in Glasgow.

In a statement, Team England athletics team leader, Scott Grace, said: "Firstly, I would like to send my best wishes to those who leave the team whether due to injury or other circumstances.

"I wish the athletes the very best of luck through their recoveries or for the upcoming opportunities ahead with the rest of their seasons. We are delighted to be welcoming an additional five athletes to Team England, across a range of different events.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for those athletes who are in excellent form to step into Team England and represent their country on the world stage. We are excited to support these athletes in Glasgow over the next couple of weeks."

'What a moment!' - Watch huge upset as Fiji's Prasad clinches bowls win over England's Tolchard

Video credit: TNT Sports

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android.

The Commonwealth Games is entering a new era with TNT Sports and HBO Max set to deliver a never-before-seen viewing experience, with every event from Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games exclusively live across all HBO Max plans in the UK and Ireland.

Commonwealth Games Athletics

'Train hard, race easy' - Ogazi wins gold as Thomas gives 400m insight

01/08/2026 at 14:13

Commonwealth Games Athletics

'I felt like Moses' - How England's Maguire claimed gold in the 1500m T54 final

01/08/2026 at 12:08