I’m delighted Roy still has licence to thrill

FOR England, this Champions Trophy could hardly have started any better. They’ve had two wins out of two, they’re the only team currently guaranteed a place in the semifinals and even the injury to Chris Woakes was balanced out by their best performance with the ball for a long time during the win over New Zealand. When you look at all the other teams — especially after the defeats for South Africa and India over the past few days — only England can say things are going according to plan. That’s why a game against Australia is the perfect preparation for their semi-final. If England were playing a team ranked below them, the temptation might be to take their foot off the gas at precisely the wrong moment in the competition. But the chance to send the Aussies packing should focus their minds. They have a good record against them at Edgbaston and the fans will be baying for blood. What more could they have asked for? Despite that, England will know there are a couple of boxes that need ticking. I’m pleased they’ve given Jason Roy an extended licence to express himself at the top of the order and I would encourage him to carry on playing the way he knows best. Both against Bangladesh, when he tried an early ramp shot and was caught at short fine leg, and against New Zealand, when he moved across his stumps and was bowled round his legs, he played shots you wouldn’t normally associate with him. He just needs to remember what earned him his captain’s faith in the first place. Even a 30 or 40 before the semi-finals will help restore his confidence. It’s probably too late for Jonny Bairstow though, who’s been on the sidelines for the past couple of games. One other small point — and assistant coach Paul Farbrace has made it himself — is that England need to hit the stumps more in the field. Moments of magic can win you a trophy, and Eoin Morgan’s side don’t pull off enough direct hits. Against Australia, they have to play their best side, which for me includes Adil Rashid, who should never have been left out against Bangladesh at The Oval. And they can be confident that with Mark Wood and Liam Plunkett they can take wickets in the middle overs. Australia are an odd side. They look a batsman light and overreliant on their world-class stars, Steve Smith and David Warner. Aaron Finch is a good player too, but having a guy like Moises Henriques in your middle order, when he’s never scored more than 18 in a one-day international, will not scare England. Most importantly of all, I don’t think England are fazed by being favourites. Once, that might have unnerved them. Now they will take the tag in their stride.