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Having captured both the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup titles, the Champions Trophy remains the only men’s white-ball event that England is yet to win.
England enter the tournament having suffered a clean sweep in India. (BCCI Photo)
England have claimed both the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (2019) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2022) and the ICC Champions Trophy remains the only missing piece in their white-ball collection. As they prepare for the 2025 edition, Jos Buttler‘s team will be eager to overcome their recent lackluster showing in the ODI format and end their title drought.
England have twice finished as runners-up in the Champions Trophy – falling short against West Indies in 2004 and losing a rain-affected final to India in 2013. With head coach Brendon McCullum at the helm, they now have a fresh chance to claim the trophy.
Following a forgettable 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, where they finished seventh, England’s ODI form has been inconsistent. A series of defeats has raised concerns, but setbacks can fuel their determination to bounce back stronger.
England’s squad remains packed with talent. Jos Buttler and Joe Root offer vast experience while rising stars like Harry Brook and Phil Salt bring energy. On the other end, their formidable bowling attack, led by pacer Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid ensures balance.
McCullum has revolutionised England’s Test cricket with an attacking mindset, and his philosophy could inspire a similar resurgence in ODIs. His emphasis on fearless play may be key to England’s Champions Trophy campaign.
Having put together a squad bolstered with firepower and veteran leadership, if England can look past their recent inconsistencies in the format and play to their strengths, they will have a golden opportunity to lift the one trophy that has eluded them all this while.
Injury Setbacks
England named Tom Banton as a replacement for the injured Jacob Bethell in their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Bethell suffered a left hamstring injury during the recent ODI series against India, where he impressed with a half-century in the opening game. The young batter’s promising performances had made him a key part of England’s plans, but the injury setback ruled him out of the marquee event.
Past Performances in the Champions Trophy
England’s history in the ICC Champions Trophy has been marked by close calls but no titles. They have twice finished as runners-up, narrowly missing out on glory. In 2004, under Michael Vaughan, they lost the final to West Indies, and in 2013, Alastair Cook’s side fell short in a rain-affected final against India. Despite consistently fielding strong teams, they have struggled to convert opportunities into trophies.
Top Players to Watch Out For
Adil Rashid: As England’s most successful ODI spinner, Rashid will be expected to bring all his experience to the fore. Given the conditions in Pakistan and UAE, which can perhaps be more batter-friendly, Rashid will have a key role to play in his side’s fortunes, especially in the middle overs.
Harry Brook: On his last trip to Pakistan, the Yorkshireman clocked up a Test triple hundred. England will not be returning to Multan this time around, but Brook will be keen to continue his excellent record and hope to go through the gears and up the run-rate when required.
Ben Duckett: Duckett, as England’s enforcer at the top, forms a dangerous left-right combination with fellow opener Phil Salt. The duo could be instrumental in Pakistan and UAE, in conditions where batters are expected to play a major role in setting up match-winning totals or executing precise chases.
Strongest Playing XI
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood
Recent ODI Form (Past 5 Matches)
- England lost by 142 runs to India in Ahmedabad
- England lost by 4 wickets to India in Cuttack
- England lost by 4 wickets to India in Nagpur
- England lost by 8 wickets to West Indies in Bridgetown
- England won by 5 wickets to West Indies in North Sound
England Full Squad
Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
Team Schedule
- vs Australia, Lahore, 22 February
- vs Afghanistan, Lahore, 26 February
- vs South Africa, Karachi, 1 March