Collingwood still confident England can win World Cup in 2019

Paul Collingwood is still confident Eoin Morgan’s England can become world-beaters on home soil in 2019 despite their failure at the semi-final stage in the Champions Trophy.

Morgan is the only survivor in England’s white-ball team from the one Collingwood led to this country’s only global trophy to date – at the ICC World Twenty20 in 2010.

There was growing optimism, after a flawless group campaign this month, that England were at last about to add a maiden one-day international title at their 19th attempt since the first World Cup in 1975.

That will have to wait at least another two years after their untypically meek performance on a slow, used pitch in Cardiff on Wednesday, when they lost their last eight wickets for 83 runs before Pakistan coasted to victory to book their place in the final against India.

Collingwood, however, is not about to give up on a group of players he has seen at close quarters in his brief spells as part of the England coaching staff.

“Pakistan played like world-beaters and they deserved it,” Collingwood said. “But I think we all realise that, whether England win or lose, they are playing some very exciting cricket. The batting lineup they have is as powerful as any in the world. They have huge strength in depth as well. This will just be learning experience because they have definitely got the ability [to win a World Cup].”

It was a shock that England were not able to adapt to conditions which their conquerors exploited expertly, but Collingwood points out the winners deserve due credit.

“I watched them play in Sharjah, on a very slow, turning pitch, and they beat Pakistan there. So I guess this was a bit surprising, but sometimes another team just plays outstandingly well.”