England’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

England are drawn in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies in T20 World Cup 2026

Two-time champions, England, are keen on becoming the first team in the ICC T20 World Cup history to win the tournament three times. They will have the golden opportunity to script history at the 2026 edition, as they have a line-up filled with experienced players such as Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid and more.

However, it won’t be easy for the Three Lions, as they will have to win against the likes of defending champions India and arch-rivals Australia as well as South Africa. Harry Brook will be leading England in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

As the tournament is getting closer, without any further ado, let’s take a look at England’s strongest playing 11 for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

England’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

1. Phil Salt (wk)

An aggressive batter, well suited for England’s style of playing, Phil Salt, will lead the pack from the front. Salt has never missed an opportunity to display his batting prowess in limited-over cricket, and the T20 World Cup would give the 26-year-old another chance to do the same.

In T20Is, Salt has a strike rate of 168 and played his best innings against South Africa in September 2025 at Manchester, scoring 141 runs off 60 deliveries. Phil Salt was also the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ highest run-getter in the International League T20. He also will be keeping wickets for England in World Cup.

2. Ben Duckett

A key player in England’s “Bazball” era, Ben Duckett is known for his aggressive batting style. Thus, his primary focus would be giving England a flawless start by smashing big hits in the powerplay overs.

Teaming up with Phil Salt, Duckett could form a formidable duo, which can cause serious troubles for the opposition in the upcoming World Cup.

3. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler will be playing at number 3 for England in T20 World Cup 2026. One of the most experienced as well as explosive batters in the line-up, Buttler can settle as per the requirements of the match. The right-handed batter has also recorded the most 50+ scores in T20Is for England in history, 28.

4. Harry Brook

Harry Brook will lead England in T20 World Cup 2026. The 26-year-old right-handed batter has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders stepping into the tournament.

However, Brook has proved himself in pressure situations, and he’s expected to continue his performance similarly. In 44 innings in T20Is, Brook has smashed five half-centuries with a strike rate of 151.

5. Jacob Bethell

The youngest player in the line-up, Jacob Bethell, has given impressive performances in his recent limited-over games. Bethell can be a key player for England in the World Cup due to his versatility and ability to play at different positions. However, it remains to be seen how his first major campaign with the Three Lions fares.

6. Will Jacks

Another all-rounder in the English line-up, Will Jacks has only been used briefly in the bowling department. Jack’s primary job has been scoring big hits in the last few overs while, at times, adding stability to the line-up in the situation of the batting collapse.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old is yet to score a half-century in international cricket, having played 29 twenty-over games for the two-time champions.

7. Sam Curran

Sam Curran enjoyed an unforgettable career as captain in the recently concluded International League T20. He was the Player of the Tournament when England last won the tournament. He will be one of England’s most experienced players at the World Cup; thus, he will be expected to play a key role for the Three Lions.

8. Liam Dawson

Liam Dawson will add depth to the batting line-up for the Three Lions while being a prolific batter. He was also a part of the International League T20, where he played an unbeaten 38-run knock against the Vipers.

Dawson has played 21 T20Is for the English cricket team primarily as a bowler, where he has taken 18 wickets. However, if England decide to play aggressively in the World Cup, the 35-year-old would be required to display his batting skills.

9. Adil Rashid

Having played more than 130 T20Is for England, Adil Rashid would be expected to feature as the team’s trump card in the middle overs. Rashid forces a wicket-taking threat after the power play overs, and he has also been an economical option for the Three Lions.

10. Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer is expected to headline the English bowling line-up with his pace. The 30-year-old has taken 44 wickets in 35 T20Is for England. His pace and batting down the order will be key for the side in the tournament.

11. Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue also represented the English colours at the Ashes, and had a decent outing. However, he will be representing England in a major tournament for the first time at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Tongue has featured in 21 T20 matches, taking 29 wickets.

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