Paul Collingwood still optimistic about England's World Cup 2019 dream

Former England skipper Paul Collingwood still feels that the English team is capable of doing great work in the future. England were the firm favorites leading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. However, they were stunned at the penultimate stage by the Pakistani team. Collingwood believes that the team would be gutted at the defeat but will be ready again for the bigger goal – ICC World Cup 2019.

As per the recent quotes in cricket.com.au, Paul Collingwood commended the Pakistan team for their brilliant show. He maintained that brand of cricket England are playing at the moment is very exiting. They have the depth in their line up to win the World Cup. He believes the team is shaping up well for the big tournament.

“That is what tournament play is all about, that’s why it’s so difficult to win these ICC tournaments. But I think we all realise that, whether England win or lose, they are playing some very exciting cricket. The batting line-up they have is as powerful as any in the world,” quoted Paul Collingwood.

“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). They’ve probably got 15 or 16 players who could fit into this team and do a fantastic job,” he added.

Lauding the efforts of Pakistan

Speaking further on the same note, Paul cited that the way Pakistan played was fantastic. They did not allow the opposition to get in the game at any stage. He also remarked that many people have been talking about the pitch and other issues, but as professional players, they should have dealt with it.

“Pakistan were absolutely fantastic with the ball and didn’t really allow England to show the power they have shown over the last couple of years. A lot of people have spoken about the pitch and a lot will say it was disappointing to be playing on it. That is out of England’s hands. But you have to adapt, it’s as simple as that,” said Collingwood.

Elaborating the same point, Paul Collingwood mentioned that the pitch cannot be used as an excuse. He recalled that the same English side has tasted success on dry and slow tracks in the UAE. Hence, citing the pitch as the reason for their exit from CT 2017 is absolutely baseless.

“A lot of people have spoken about the pitch and a lot will say it was disappointing to be playing on it. That is out of England’s hands. But you have to adapt, it’s as simple as that. “This team has been around the world. 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,” he conceded.