England have had to dig deep and fight to get to the semi-finals, but according to Jos Buttler, the real World Cup starts now.

After back-to-back defeats against Sri Lanka and Australia, England prevailed over India and whipped New Zealand to confirm their place in the last-four stage.

The hosts and No.1 ODI side in the world will now head to Edgbaston next week for their semi-final against either Australia or India.

And Buttler knows that the time is now, after becoming the first England men’s team to make the semi-finals since 1992.

“It feels great. We’re excited and a bit relieved as well,” the wicketkeeper-batsman was quoted as saying by ICC media. “It’s obviously been two tough games to finish to qualify and we showed great character to come through with two very good performances.

“We are just very excited to be in a semi-final. From the start I think it was the minimum requirement, the first stage we had to get to.

“We have given ourselves a great chance and are excited to play in the semi-final of a home World Cup. It’s a great feeling and we’re really excited for that challenge.”

Buttler’s form with the bat has slowed somewhat since his century against Pakistan at Trent Bridge four weeks ago.

But in Chester-le-Street, he was able to influence the game in other ways, taking a stunning catch down the leg side to dismiss Martin Guptill and also showing some quick thinking and reflex to run Ross Taylor out off Adil Rashid’s throw.

The 28-year-old vice-captain hopes he can come good again in the knockout stage. “We stood up and played our brand of cricket under that pressure. That breeds a lot of confidence in the group — that our way is the best way and gives us a lot of chance of performing.

“That’s what we have resorted to in the two must-win games and shows that we must continue with that.

“I’ve been a bit disappointed not to have contributed as much as I’d like. I haven’t quite executed or made the right decision and have found ways of getting out.

“Luckily, I still have another chance for another innings or two in this World Cup.”