England breathed a sigh of relief after clinching a 24-run victory against Italy to storm into the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s. Yet, captain Harry Brook pulled no punches, declaring the team well short of their potential.
During the match ceremony in Kolkata, Brook reflected: ‘We haven’t hit top gear, but qualifying keeps us in the hunt.’ Batting first, England limped to 202/7 before Will Jacks’ unbeaten fifty turned the tide.
Consistency has eluded the top order, Brook confessed. ‘Batting totals have been below par so far – that’s the story of our group stage,’ he said. Undeterred by T20’s chaos, he urged persistence: ‘Heroes today, zeros tomorrow. Keep the faith and play your shots.’
The bowlers, led by Sam Curran’s clutch performances, restricted Italy effectively. ‘Exceptional fielding, strong bowling lines, and death-over magic from Sammy and Jamie,’ Brook lauded. Jacks’ composure under fire was another bright spot.
As the stakes rise in Super 8s, Brook’s realism could galvanize England. Their talent is evident; now, execution must follow to chase glory.