Overview
The hosts have never won the tournament. Their best result came in the 2004 edition that they hosted, but they fell at the final hurdle. This year the English will be feeling confident that they can go one better as they boast one of the strongest squads in the competition as well as benefiting from home ground advantage. It will be the last chance for the English to get their hands on this elusive trophy.
The hosts have never won the tournament. Their best result came in the 2004 edition that they hosted, but they fell at the final hurdle. This year the English will be feeling confident that they can go one better as they boast one of the strongest squads in the competition as well as benefiting from home ground advantage. It will be the last chance for the English to get their hands on this elusive trophy.
Strengths
England possesses a thoroughly professional unit. They are disciplined with bat, ball and in the field. In a tournament that is exclusive to the top eight teams in the world talent is abundant, and the difference between winning and losing could be discipline.
England possesses a thoroughly professional unit. They are disciplined with bat, ball and in the field. In a tournament that is exclusive to the top eight teams in the world talent is abundant, and the difference between winning and losing could be discipline.
The other great strength of the English squad is that there is a good blend of experience and youth. Old heads such as Jonathan Trott or James Anderson can put their hands up and lead the way if the going gets tough.
On the flip side of the coin, players such as Jonny Bairstow and Jos Butler have not tasted defeat in global tournaments. They will play with freedom and without the fear of failure. Their inhibited stroke play may be just what the doctor ordered for English success.
Weaknesses
Mention has been made of England's disciple as a strength, as it most certainly is a credit in the ledger. Unfortunately, the English sometimes get so caught up in being disciple that they over-step the mark. They become rigid and refuse to adapt to certain situations in the match. If they get caught in this trap once again, then even the likes of Morgan won't be able to right the ship.
Mention has been made of England's disciple as a strength, as it most certainly is a credit in the ledger. Unfortunately, the English sometimes get so caught up in being disciple that they over-step the mark. They become rigid and refuse to adapt to certain situations in the match. If they get caught in this trap once again, then even the likes of Morgan won't be able to right the ship.
The other possible weakness in the hosts' line-up is the inclusion of both Cook and Trott in the top three of the batting order. They are fine players and should ensure that early wickets are not lost to the new white ball. As solid as the start of the innings may be, they will by no means get off to a flyer because both of these players naturally build their innings slowly and methodically. If England find themselves chasing a big target then they might find themselves too far behind to catch up later in the innings.
One To Watch
Due to the tournament being played in early summer, the pitches in all probability will be tough going for the batsmen. Steven Finnhas all the attributes to cause chaos with the hard, new ball. He thunders the ball down at serious pace and uses his height to extract spiteful bounce. Batsmen will do well to survive his spells of bowling, let alone put a competitive total together.
Due to the tournament being played in early summer, the pitches in all probability will be tough going for the batsmen. Steven Finnhas all the attributes to cause chaos with the hard, new ball. He thunders the ball down at serious pace and uses his height to extract spiteful bounce. Batsmen will do well to survive his spells of bowling, let alone put a competitive total together.
Probable Bench-Warmer
England will select their team according to their traditional strengths. Pace bowlers who can extract movement and batsmen with sound techniques will be joined by the off-spinner, Graeme Swann, who will bring some variety to the attack. There won't be space for another specialist spinner, so James Tredwell will spend his time carrying the drinks, unless Swann suffers an injury.
England will select their team according to their traditional strengths. Pace bowlers who can extract movement and batsmen with sound techniques will be joined by the off-spinner, Graeme Swann, who will bring some variety to the attack. There won't be space for another specialist spinner, so James Tredwell will spend his time carrying the drinks, unless Swann suffers an injury.
Last Three Tournament Finishes
2009: Losing semi-finalists to Australia
2006: Group A exit to Australia
2004: Losing finalist to West Indies.
2009: Losing semi-finalists to Australia
2006: Group A exit to Australia
2004: Losing finalist to West Indies.
Cricket365 Prediction
England have a strong squad and are comfortable playing in the conditions. They should progress from their group with ease along with Australia. Once in the Semi-final, any team is just two performances away from the title. The host's will fancy their chances as they go into the tournament as one of the favourites.
England have a strong squad and are comfortable playing in the conditions. They should progress from their group with ease along with Australia. Once in the Semi-final, any team is just two performances away from the title. The host's will fancy their chances as they go into the tournament as one of the favourites.
Squad
Alistair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Jos Butler, Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Chris Woakes.
Alistair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Jos Butler, Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Chris Woakes.
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