ICC World Cup 2019: Match 24, England vs Afghanistan - England's Predicted Playing XI

Barring their stunning loss against Pakistan, England have so far dominated the ongoing  ICC World Cup 2019. They are currently in fourth place with six points from four games after Australia, New Zealand, and India. The host will look to overtake India and the Kiwis who are at six points, when they go up against Afghanistan on June 18 (Tuesday) at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

England eye two crucial points

England have been battling with injuries right from the start of the tournament. Skipper Eoin Morgan and star opener Jason Roy pulled injuries in the last game against West Indies. While Morgan is likely to play against Afghanistan, the management is highly unlikely to risk with Roy considering that Afghanistan is one of the weaker opponents in the tournaments.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Match 23, West Indies vs Bangladesh – Match Prediction

Otherwise, the teams remain the same with Moeen Ali still sitting out and Joe Root chipping in with some crucial overs. These two points will help England equal Australia at the top of the points table with eight points.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2019: I Never Lost My Bowling Rhythm, Asserts Kuldeep Yadav

Here is the predicted playing XI of England for match 24 of the ICC World Cup 2019 against Afghanistan at the Old Trafford in Manchester:

JAMES VINCE

James Vince will finally get his opportunity with England management not risking with injured Jason Roy. The right-handed Vince will look to use this chance to the fullest and make a strong case for himself in front of the selectors.

JONNY BAIRSTOW

Jonny Bairstow has got the starts in all the matches, but the big score has not come yet. The game against a depleted Afghanistan team will be a perfect opportunity for Bairstow to put a big hundred on board and get back his confidence.

JOE ROOT

Joe Root has also scored runs and provided stability which has made England’s batting look deadly. Root will eye to put some more runs to his back ahead of the games against Australia and India.

EOIN MORGAN

Eoin Morgan has been struggling with injuries; however, he will be fit to come out to toss against Afghanistan. The southpaw has led England from the front and will hope to play the game with the intensity.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Match 23, West Indies vs Bangladesh – Toss Report

JOS BUTTLER

Jos Buttler has been one of their highest run-scorers and is also among the runs in the World Cup. The hard-hitting batsman will hope to keep his run-scoring spree going ahead of the important games in the tournament.

BEN STOKES

Ben Stokes has blown hot and cold so far in the tournament. The all-rounder will look to hit the strides soon as he is an important stakeholder in this Eoin Morgan-led English set-up.

CHRIS WOAKES

Chris Woakes has had an average tournament so far and will have to take the right strides and make significant contributions. The veteran all-rounder can chip in with contributions to all the departments which will keep England in high stead against the Afghans.

LIAM PLUNKETT

Liam Plunkett is an experienced customer who has been playing for England since long. The all-rounder will hope to make significant contributions in all the departments as the host look to keep the winning run going.

JOFRA ARCHER

Jofra Archer is already a star and will hope to better his game against Afghanistan who is yet to taste a victory in this World Cup. Besides, Archer can also chip in with the bat, which will add value to the team.

ADIL RASHID

MARK WOOD

Mark Wood has been among the wickets and has provided early wickets with the new ball. The tall and lanky fast bowler will have to keep up his performance to seal his berth in the playing XI.