England squad for 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup - Defending champs look to Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer to bring X-Factor to their campaign

England have a smoking hot batting line-up in Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow, and a good selection of middle-order options. Their bowling has pace and balance and they have the bonus of a healthy pack of all-rounders. The English have been known to fold badly in big competitions, but on paper they should be favourites to meet Australia in the final.   

England’s selectors have made some bold decisions for the defence of their T20I World Cup title. Chris Jordan’s inclusion has drawn criticism as he has replaced, Chris Woakes, and Jofra Archer has been included even though he is not yet match fit after over 10 months on the treatment table… but both have the X-factor that could make all the difference for England.

Jos Buttler is always an important performer and is one of the world’s top match-winners in a powerhouse batting line-up that, if it hits form, simply can’t be contained. The absence of Ben Stokes (who withdrew from the white-ball squad to focus on Test cricket) is a major blow as the England all-rounder has the Double-X-Factor, but Sam Curran has seriously stepped up to the all-rounder's role for country and franchise. 

"We've watched CJ (Chris Jordan) for a while now and his bowling has always been a serious factor for us. The fact that he can bowl at the death has always been something we look for, but his batting seems to have kicked on a bit this time. Having power is a big thing out in the Caribbean, so that's why CJ has comfortably got in there," said Rob Key, England's director of cricket.

"Jofra's that bowler that's just so special, you do everything you can to try to get him back playing. We've taken the longer road this time. But as always with Jofra, it's fingers crossed until he's out there playing. You're waiting for something really good to happen - you don't quite believe it until he's there. But he's tracking well at the moment.

"There are a few newer players coming into this side, so it's important it gets together. The likes of Phil Salt, Will Jacks have been around a little bit, but this is now very much their opportunity, with a few others. So you just want them to get together and spend a bit of time and build up to it."