England will be at the heart of a special ICC Cricket World Cup: Michael Vaughan

England has endured a torrid time when it comes to ICC World Cups and major events. They have lost in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup three times in 1979, 1987 and 1992. England has also suffered heartbreak in the ICC Champions Trophy, losing in 2009 and 2013 and crashing out in the semifinals in 2017 against Pakistan. They have won only one ICC event which was the 2010 World T20 which was held in the West Indies. However, heading into the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019, the hosts are in a strong position and have been designated as one of the favourites.

England has not lost an ODI series since 2017 and barring the one-off loss to Scotland, Eoin Morgan’s side has been dominant in contests at home. The recent good run has prompted former skipper Michael Vaughan to comment that this is the ‘best opportunity’ for England to break the jinx and win the tournament for the first time.

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“It's the best opportunity in my time for England - I remember 1992 as a youngster, watching that final at college. They got to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy two years ago but didn't get over the line on that occasion. They've got to see that as a real positive experience and if they get into the semis again, play smart cricket. This England squad is the best I've seen. They have earned the right to be favourites. I think we're in for a special World Cup - world-class players, world-class teams - and I think England will be right at the heart of it," Vaughan was quoted by BBC Sport.

England announced the final 15-man squad for the World Cup and it included Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson but left out left-arm pacer David Willey and Joe Denly. Vaughan sympathised with Willey’s predicament. “I feel for Willey, he hasn't really let England down, but it's the nature of an international sport that you have to be ruthless. You have to pick who you feel is the right 15 and I feel they've got it right,” Vaughan said.

England will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa in the first game at The Oval on May 30.

HIGHLIGHTS

• England is hosting the World Cup after 20 years.
• England hosted the World in 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999.
• England has lost in the Champions Trophy knockouts three times.