England can continue form into World Cup says Graeme Swann
Published:As England look to secure a series win over Pakistan at the Oval today, Swann believes England’s performances warrant favouritism for next year’s World Cup
England are currently 4/1 joint favourites with Australia and India to win the 2011 Cricket World Cup which takes place in three South Asian countries, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh between February and April.
The home advantage will suit India but Swann feels that the recent England one day international performances, they have beaten Australia and Bangladesh this year and won in South Africa towards the end of 2009, means England can target victory at the World Cup.
“We are going to go to the World Cup to try to win it,” said the off-spinner.
“The World Twenty20 was the first time that I had been involved in a tournament where I thought that we could win it, so we have a great chance of winning it next year.
“We’ve beaten Australia, we’re doing well against Pakistan and we beat South Africa – so we can go there and seriously think that we can do it.”
The current World Twenty20 Champions have shown the mentality to win at the highest level but it may be worth holding off on backing England until after the ODI series in Australia.
The Australians are favourites to win on their home turf and England’s odds will drift if they lose in Australia, so it’s worth taking the 4/1 for Australia to win the Cricket World Cup now.
Meanwhile Swann will need to concentrate on the Pakistan game as England look to wrap up the series victory with a win.
England are 4/11 to beat Pakistan today. See the latest 2011 Cricket World Cup betting market here.
