Captain Eoin Morgan says England are embracing being considered the favourites to win the Cricket World Cup on home soil.
The tournament hosts currently sit top of the ICC ODI rankings after winning 10 of their last 11 bilateral ODI series – the only blip during that time being their 2-2 draw in the West Indies earlier this year.
The expectation surrounding England is a far cry from at previous tournaments, including the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand when they were dumped out at the group stage.
Morgan, who was appointed captain on the eve of the last World Cup, certainly feels being considered favourites is a good position to be in and he has no concerns about his team handling the pressure. “We have spoken about it as a group – the level of expectation and the favourites tag is there for a reason,” Morgan told reporters. “Over the last two years our form at home, in particular, has been outstanding. “In the Worlds Cups I have played in we have gone in with very little expectation and not done that well.
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So I would pick this position over any other.” Morgan, who suffered a dislocated finger in training last week, has also confirmed that England have a fully fit squad to choose from for their opening match of the World Cup against South Africa at The Oval on Thursday – with the likes of Mark Wood and Liam Dawson having also recovered from recent knocks.
“I’m good and the team are very well,” added Morgan.”We’ve no injury concerns, we have a full bill of health.” England have never won the ODI World Cup, with their last appearance in the final coming when they lost to Pakistan 27 years ago.
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