So hapless have been England that it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Netherlands would be the favourites when the two teams meet on Wednesday.

It’s not by chance that the Dutch are higher up in the standings than Jos Buttler’s team. England have gone from bad to worse and a defeat against their unfancied European mates will take the embarrassment to another level.

But there will be motivation on offer if they choose to mend ways. Though out of the race for the semis, England can still book a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy by finishing in the Cup’s top seven.

The Dutch too will try for the same, already having two wins under their belt.

England’s batting unit has failed miserably. Openers Jonny Bairstow and David Malan have struggled to give the kind of start expected of them while Joe Root’s famed consistency too has deserted him. Skipper Jos Buttler and the big-hitting Liam Livingstone are also woefully out of form. For England to win, their batters need to fire.

That will be the area the Dutch will be keen to cash in. Captain Scott Edwards
has marshalled his resources intelligently and his bowlers have shown the ability to
put in disciplined performances. Their batting is a worry though.

With inputs from PTI