Cumbrian star Lauren Smith has been named in the Team England badminton squad for this summer's Commonwealth Games.

The Longtown player will be out to add to her five Commonwealth medals at Birmingham this year.

Her expected selection was officially announced today, with ten players selected.

The Commonwealths will be the latest outing in a major games for double Olympian Smith, 30.

The Carlisle-born star said she was excited to take part in a home-based games.

"I always feel incredibly proud to be part of Team England and the Commonwealth Games is really special event as it’s an event that inspired me to play," she said.

"So I can't wait to compete on home soil.”

Smith's on and off-court partner Marcus Ellis is also included, with the pair set to team up in the mixed doubles.

Also selected along with Milton Keynes-based Smith are Freya Patel-Redfearn, Jessica Pugh, Chloe Birch, Abigail Holden, Toby Penty, Ben Lane, Callum Hemming and Sean Vendy. 

News and Star: Smith, left, with Sarah Walker, won silver in the women's doubles in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia (photo: PA)Smith, left, with Sarah Walker, won silver in the women's doubles in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia (photo: PA)

They will be among over 400 Team England athletes competing at the Games in Birmingham, which start on July 28 and run to August 8.

Ellis added: "The Commonwealth Games is a very prestigious event for all of us and it's a real privilege to represent Team England.

"The Games being at home is an added bonus and I'm looking forward to seeing what the team can do with the home crowd behind us!”

Team England’s chef de mission, Mark England OBE, said: "The squad is a blend of youth and experience, but all very talented players, including previous Commonwealth Games and Olympic athletes Lauren Smith, Ben Lane, Jessica Pugh, Chloe Birch, Marcus Ellis and Generation 22 athlete Toby Penty.

"I’m excited to see them compete and watch them ‘bring it home’ in Birmingham.”

Smith claimed three medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast, taking silver in the women's doubles and mixed doubles and bronze in the mixed team.

She also won silver in the mixed team and bronze in the women's doubles in the 2014 Games in Glasgow.