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Eoin Morgan Wants Joe Root and Ben Stokes in England’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
Eoin Morgan Backs Joe Root and Ben Stokes for a Return to England’s ODI Squad for the Champions Trophy 2025
As the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy approaches, former England captain Eoin Morgan has weighed in on squad selection, emphasizing the need to bring back star players Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Both cricketers have been absent from England’s one-day international (ODI) setup since the 2023 World Cup, where the team faced an unexpected early exit during the group stages. Morgan believes their return would be crucial for England’s success in the upcoming global tournament to be held in Pakistan.
Root and Stokes are currently part of England’s Test squad but have not been included in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour to the West Indies. However, England’s selectors have indicated that both players could still be considered for the Champions Trophy, especially with their vast experience and proven track records. Morgan, speaking during the launch of the International Masters League in Mumbai, mentioned that Stokes would likely rejoin the squad if given the nod by England’s white-ball coach, Brendon McCullum.
Morgan argued that for a major tournament like the Champions Trophy, it is vital to field the best possible team, and Root and Stokes are undoubtedly part of that elite group. Despite England’s recent strategy of integrating younger players into their ODI lineup, Morgan insists that the experience of veterans like Root and Stokes could be the game-changer for the team in a high-stakes competition. Stokes has already expressed his willingness to return if selected, but as of now, he has yet to receive a formal invitation from McCullum.
While Morgan is supportive of giving younger players opportunities in upcoming series, such as the one against the West Indies, he believes England needs to find a balance between nurturing new talent and relying on seasoned players in critical matches. England’s recent series against Australia showcased a young side missing key figures like Jos Buttler, Mark Wood, and Jofra Archer. Though the young squad impressed, Morgan insists that the template they found should be built upon but supplemented with the likes of Root and Stokes when competing at the highest level.
Morgan remains confident that England’s best shot at winning the 2025 Champions Trophy will come from a balanced squad of experienced veterans and rising stars.
