Strongest England playing XI for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

In the history of ICC trophies, England have won 1 ODI World Cup and 2 T20I World Cups. They have a rich cricketing history and have been a dominant force in international cricket. However, they are still searching for their first ICC Champions Trophy.  The Three Lions are set to start their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign on February 22, facing  Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan. Post that, they will also face Afghanistan and South Africa in the group stage. Ahead of their first game against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy, here's a look at England's predicted XI.  

Strongest England playing XI vs Australia for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1: Phil Salt (wk)

Explosive right-handed batter, Phil Salt is known for his aggressive intent and power-hitting ability. His natural game revolves around taking the attack to the opposition from the very first ball. He possesses excellent hand-eye coordination, allowing him to play shots all around the wicket. His fearless approach makes him particularly dangerous in the powerplay, where fielding restrictions give him the freedom to go over the top. 

In 2025, Phil Salt has played in 3 ODI matches, scoring 92 runs with a strike rate of 121.05.

2: Ben Duckett

Left-handed top-order batter, Ben Duckett is known for his ability to manipulate the field with his innovative stroke play. Unlike traditional openers, Duckett prefers playing wristy shots and is extremely effective against spin bowling. His proficiency in playing sweeps and reverse sweeps allows him to dominate spinners, making him a vital player on slow, turning tracks. He is also quick between the wickets and has a knack for rotating strike efficiently.

In 2025, Ben Duckett has played in 3 ODI matches, scoring 131 runs with a strike rate of 122.42.

3: Jos Buttler (C)

One of the most destructive ODI players in the world, Jos Buttler is the backbone of England’s batting lineup. As the captain, he provides leadership both on and off the field, guiding the team with his tactical acumen. Buttler is a versatile batsman who can play according to the situation—whether anchoring an innings or launching an all-out attack. His range of shots, including scoops, ramps, and powerful drives, makes him difficult to bowl to.

In 2025, Jos Buttler has played in 3 ODI matches, scoring 92 runs with a strike rate of 82.88.

4: Joe Root

Veteran right-handed batter, Joe Root is England’s most technically sound batsman, providing stability in the middle order. Unlike many of England’s power hitters, Root relies on timing, placement, and classical cricketing shots to accumulate runs. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking makes him an essential player, especially in high-pressure chases or when wickets fall early. He also has the experience of playing in big tournaments and has a cool head under pressure.

In 2025, Joe Root has played in 3 ODI matches, scoring 112 runs with a strike rate of 84.84.

5: Tom Banton

Young promising and exciting batter, Tom Banton is known for his aggressive approach and unorthodox stroke play. His fearless batting style, which includes audacious scoops, reverse sweeps, and switch hits, makes him a nightmare for bowlers in the middle overs. Banton can take the game away from the opposition with quick-fire knocks, making him an X-factor player in England’s squad. 

In 2025, Tom Banton has played in a single ODI match, scoring 38 runs with a strike rate of 92.68.

6: Harry Brook

One of the most potential players for the future, Harry Brook is a middle-order batter with an aggressive yet composed approach. He is known for his clean striking, ability to play both pace and spin effectively, and his temperament under pressure. Brook has the versatility to play both the anchor role and the aggressor role, depending on the match situation. His ability to find gaps and accelerate in the death overs makes him an asset for England.

In 2025, Harry Brook has played in 3 ODI matches, scoring 50 runs with a strike rate of 61.72.

7:  Liam Livingstone

One of England’s most dangerous power-hitters, Liam Livingstone is a hard-hitting all-rounder with an ability to bowl off-spin. He can take on spinners and pacers alike, using his strong bottom hand to generate immense power in his shots. His ability to clear boundaries effortlessly makes him an ideal finisher. 

In 2025, Liam Livingstone has played in 3 ODI matches, scoring 52 runs with a strike rate of 84.61.

8: Adil Rashid

England’s premier leg-spinner, Adil Rashid is a proven match-winner with the ball. He is a specialist in taking wickets in the middle overs, using his variations to deceive batsmen. His leg-spin, combined with a well-disguised googly and the occasional flipper, makes him difficult to pick. Rashid’s ability to break partnerships and provide crucial breakthroughs is invaluable for England.

In 2025, Adil Rashid has played in 3 ODI matches, taking 7 wickets with an economy of 6.36.

9: Mark Wood

One of England’s fastest bowlers, Mark Wood is an express pacer capable of bowling at speeds over 150 km/h. His raw pace and ability to generate bounce make him a dangerous bowler, particularly against top-order batsmen. Wood is particularly effective on fast and bouncy pitches, where his extra pace can trouble even the best batsmen. His ability to bowl sharp bouncers and well-directed yorkers makes him a crucial asset in both the powerplay and the death overs. 

In 2025, Mark Wood has played in 2 ODI matches, taking 2 wickets with an economy of 6.

10: Jofra Archer

England’s most lethal fast bowler, Jofra Archer is known for his pace, accuracy, and ability to bowl under pressure. He is a complete bowler as he can swing the new ball, generate bounce, and deliver pinpoint yorkers in the death overs. His ability to vary his pace and bowl effective slower deliveries makes him unpredictable. Archer is a match-winner with the ball and has experience in handling high-pressure situations, making him one of England’s key players in the Champions Trophy. 

In 2025, Jofra Archer has played in a single ODI match, taking 1 wicket with an economy of 5.13.

11:Saqib Mahmood

Talented fast bowler, Saqib Mahmood is known for his ability to swing the ball and extract seam movement. He is particularly effective with the new ball, where he can trouble batsmen with late swing. Mahmood also has a deceptive slower ball and a well-disguised yorker, making him effective in both the early and death overs. His ability to generate movement at a decent pace makes him a valuable addition to England’s pace attack.

In 2025, Saqib Mahmood has played in 3 ODI matches, taking 3 wickets with an economy of 6.66.