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Former England cricket captain Eoin Morgan has responded to the swirling speculations regarding his possible appointment as England's white-ball coach, potentially replacing Matthew Mott following the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup in India. England's campaign has been marked by a string of disappointments, with the team enduring five losses in their first six matches. This underwhelming performance has set an unwanted record, representing the worst-ever showing by a defending champion in the World Cup.
While England defeated Bangladesh in their second match, they've since faced defeats at the hands of sides like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. These results have taken many by surprise, given England's stellar track record as double world champions in the white-ball format and their recent triumph in the T20 World Cup in Australia.
In their most recent match, England had a golden opportunity to exert pressure on India, limiting Rohit Sharma's side to a mere 229 runs in Lucknow. However, their batting line-up struggled to contend with the prowess of the Indian bowling unit, ultimately getting bundled out for just 129 runs. The exceptional performances of Mohammed Shami, who claimed four wickets, and Jasprit Bumrah, with a three-wicket haul, added to England's woes.
Morgan, who led England to World Cup victory in 2019, has alluded to potential issues within the team's dressing room. However, England's current coach, Mott, has dismissed these concerns, affirming that the team's environment remains healthy and harmonious.
Speculation is rife that Mott's position as head coach and Jos Buttler's tenure as ODI captain are in jeopardy, contingent on England's performance and their ability to secure a place in the 2025 Champions Trophy. To qualify for this prestigious tournament, the top seven teams, along with host nation Pakistan, will need to finish in top seven teams at the end of league stage.
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"Yeah, it's a bit far-fetched (coaching role speculations)," Morgan told Sky Sports.
"But everybody is entitled to interpret my comments. I was very clear in what I thought might be a cause to the performances that the England team have produced in the World Cup. Simply the factors that contributed to it, nobody in the change room, neither the captain nor the coach can explain the situation that they find themselves in.
"I am very happy and cemented hopefully in what I am going to do for the future. I spend a lot of time at home now with my family, which is great, I love watching on," he added.
Morgan expressed his support for the existing leadership team, suggesting that they should be granted a fresh opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. This is particularly significant as they are set to enter the T20 World Cup next year in the West Indies and the USA as reigning champions.
"I actually think the talk of replacing captain and coach is not a good idea at the moment simply because of the high turnover of the World Cups. They are double world champions for a reason, they are not a bad team by any stretch. Matthew Mott is going through the biggest challenge of his England coaching career at the moment, it's one that he should be given time to put right, certainly toward the next year”, he further added.
"But if the England team doesn't qualify for the Champions Trophy, the likes of Rob Key and the board will come under increasing pressure, surrounding his job," he continued.
England are scheduled to face Australia on November 4, aiming to halt their losing streak and move closer to securing a place in the Champions Trophy.
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