Former star blasts ‘arrogant’ England team after early exit

England’s ODI approach seems to be getting worse, following a poor 2023 World Cup and now an even worse Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. The team is under pressure, facing widespread criticism, and the latest name to strongly criticise them is former England cricketer Mark Butcher.

Butcher took it a step further, stating that Jos Buttler’s England side’s arrogance is the reason why fans enjoy watching them lose. His statement is currently gaining attention and deservedly so, as not just him but many England fans and cricket followers worldwide are questioning the future of England’s ODI cricket.

The Three Lions recently suffered a shocking defeat against Afghanistan. While some found it surprising, others believed that, given the way England players are currently approaching the ODI format, such a result was inevitable.

Mark Butcher on England’s dismal performance in Champions Trophy

Speaking on the Wisden Patreon Podcast, Butcher said, “I completely and utterly understand why everybody loves seeing England lose… The arrogance of English cricket to decide that after striving for all that time to win a 50-over World Cup, you then decide that it’s not important enough for your players to play.”

“The arrogance in that and the comeuppance that has followed… It’s no wonder the crowd there are all supporting Afghanistan, whether they’re from Afghanistan, Pakistan, or wherever they are,” he added.

ODI woes show no signs of ending

England have played 14 matches in total since their disastrous ICC ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, which also went poorly for them, followed by their early exit from the Champions Trophy.

What stands out is that, despite continuous losses, they are showing the same approach to their game. Since the 2023 World Cup, England has played 14 matches, winning just four, showing a significant decline. This is a stark contrast to the team that won the 2019 World Cup by completely revamping their ODI style. Now, another major overhaul doesn’t seem too far away.

England recent ODI performances