World Cup 2019: SWOT Analysis, X-Factors and Strongest XI of the Semi-Finalists

#3 England

The form of the top order and the finishers has been a positive sight for the hosts in this World Cup

Strengths- The form of the top order and the finishers has been a positive sight for the hosts in this World Cup. While Joe Root has scored 500 runs in this tournament, Jonny Bairstow has also made an impact with 462 runs, including centuries in the last two must-win games.

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have also made their contributions count, giving the team the advantage of some extra runs to exert pressure on the opposition.

Weaknesses- The form Adil Rashid has been a cause of concern for England. While he has been preference over Moeen Ali, Rashid has picked only eight scalps in nine matches, and has also proven to be expensive, with an economy near to 6 runs per over.

While his overs have been accommodated by skipper Eoin Morgan due to the variety in the team, the contribution of a spinner can be found wanting in the middle overs.

Opportunities- The biggest benefit that England have is the home advantage and the experience of the conditions. Further, they have a good record at Edgbaston, the venue of their semi final, Birmingham and Lord's, the venue of the final (should they qualify).

Further, they have the most versatile squad in the tournament, with batting depth, all-rounders and part timers.

Threats- England have been vulnerable while chasing in this tournament. All their losses have come while batting second, with two coming against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the hosts failing to chase 233 against the latter.

Further, their has been a lack of consistency, with no individual player apart from Jofra Archer being a consistent performer.

Though Joe Root did have a cracking start to the tournament, he has not scored big of late. The team has been finding individual heroes in every game, but there is no certainty as to who would step up on the given day.

Key Players- Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Jos Buttler

X-Factor- Jofra Archer

Strongest XI- Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Ben Stokes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid.