'Serious concerns' - Michael Vaughan puts pressure on Jos Buttler as England book Super 8 spot

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan shared his thoughts on the Jos Buttler-led team's performance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Michael Vaughan said that the England team hasn't displayed great cricket and also expressed concerns about their fielding in their recent matches in the World Cup.

The England cricket team qualified for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 from Group B with five points and a net run rate (NRR) of +3.611. The Three Lions' qualification for the next round was confirmed after Scotland suffered a five-wicket loss against Australia in St Lucia on Sunday, June 16 (India time).

The Jos Buttler-led team defeated Namibia by 41 runs in their final group-stage match. Their qualification for the Super 8 stage depended on Australia defeating Scotland. England qualified from the Group B table after Australia, as Scotland's lower net run rate prevented them from progressing to the next stage.

They Haven't Played Great Cricket - Michael Vaughan

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Michael Vaughan expressed delight at left-arm pacer Reece Topley's return to the team for the recent match. Vaughan stated that he was surprised that Topley wasn't included in the starting eleven for the first two games.

"They haven't played great cricket. I do have a lot of concerns about England's white-ball team. I don't think they field like they used to. I don't think they've got any electricity in the field. They're making quite a few mistakes in the field. I'm delighted that Reece Topley is back. I staggered in the first two games that Reece Topley wasn't in the XI," Michael Vaughan said.

England began their campaign with a washout against Scotland. They suffered a 36-run defeat to Australia. However, they bounced back strongly by dismissing Oman for 47 runs before chasing it down in 3.1 overs. They significantly improved their net run rate from -1.8 to +3.08 to be in the race for the Super 8s.

England Only Have To Look Back To Last T20 World Cup - Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan stated that England should take inspiration from their previous T20 World Cup, where they won the trophy despite early struggles. Vaughan suggested that others would prefer to avoid facing them in the semifinals or finals due to their fearless approach.

"England only have to look back to the last T20 World Cup. They had a similar thing; they lost to Ireland. They were scratchy getting over the line against Sri Lanka in Sydney. The one thing I say about England, when it gets to the stage of must-win games, I think they've got a great mentality. They won't be scared of big games. You look at Josh Hazlewood's comments just the other day, and I'm sure they were tongue-in-cheek. But if you said to the rest of the world who you don't want to face in a semi-final or final, I think England are near the top of that list because they play with a fearless approach," Vaughan said.

England have been placed with the West Indies, South Africa, and the USA in Group 2 in the Super 8 stage. The defending champions will take on the West Indies in their next match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on June 19, Wednesday.

Also read: Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis help England qualify for Super 8s, Mitchell Marsh retains his place