England’s Strongest XI for Champions Trophy 2025

England, who reached the Champions Trophy final twice, first in 2004 and then in 2013 but failed to clinch the silverware on both occasions. However, that is in the past, as the team changed its approach following the 2015 ODI World Cup. And then the results came along with them, with victories in the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. Although last year’s ODI World Cup did not end well for England, they are now gearing up for another ICC tournament as the Champions Trophy 2025 coming.

England will play all their matches on Pakistan tracks and were the first team to announce their Champions Trophy squad. The squad looks strong, with a balanced batting lineup having players like Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, known for their aggressive batting style. Also, Jofra Archer is making his much-anticipated return.

With so many options to choose from, what could be England’s best possible XI for the Champions Trophy 2025? Take a look at their strongest line up for CT 2025.

England’s best XI for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Strong Opening Pair

Jos Buttler, who usually plays the opening shot in T20 format, will be better off not opening in this 50-over game. To provide a lethal start, no one is better than Phil Salt, a known asset who can dethrone every bowler, especially in the first 10 overs.

What will benefit him are the flat pitches, which we usually see in Karachi and Lahore, where the Three Lions will play several games. To support him, Ben Duckett could play a good role. Also, since this left-hander is England’s second-leading run-scorer from last year with 305 runs in a total of 5 games, it shows how big of a role he can play. With Duckett in mix, the team will get the right-left hand combination.

Dangerous middle order

In this XI, it is impossible to leave out England veteran Joe Root. Although he has not played ODI cricket since the 2023 World Cup, Root performances in Test for England needs no introduction and it is certainly a big boost, and he could potentially replicate that success in the No. 3 position as a top-order batter.

Root can provide stability to the team, and even if Duckett or Phil Salt fail, Root has the capability to strengthen England’s run-making by rotating strikes. In short, having Root in the team will only increase England’s chances of big runs and stability.

Apart from him, four players, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, and Liam Livingstone, add incredible depth to the side.

All of these players can dethrone any bowler and can play as floaters. Especially with Joe Root, who will be willing to bat on Pakistan pitches, which suit batters the most. Also, emerging talent Jacob Bethell is one of the solid options for the Three Lions, having shown promise and the ability to thump bowlers in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer take charge of bowling unit

Spinner Adil Rashid, who doesn’t need any introduction, is going to be important for the Three Lions camp as far as middle over bowling is concerned. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer, who is back and ready with his pace bowling, will play a key role alongside Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson. Although bowling on Pakistan pitches won’t be easy, as flat tracks are a possibility, which could make things slightly difficult, the experience of the majority of bowlers makes them look solid.

England squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood