Liam Plunkett claims England are "flying" as they bid to become world-beaters again at this summer's ICC Champions Trophy.
England have won just one global tournament in their history, but Plunkett reports they are fancying their chances of doubling up in June.
The evergreen seamer had an outstanding tour of the West Indies, where England defeated their hosts 3-0 earlier this month, and although he acknowledges others returning from injury will press for his place, he is optimistic he can play a part again in the high-profile campaign coming up.
Plunkett, speaking in the United Arab Emirates as he prepares for the MCC's curtain-raiser fixture against county champions Middlesex which starts on Sunday, is enthused by the progress England have made since the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand two years ago.
"We're obviously flying," the 31-year-old told Sky Sports News.
"We're on home turf. After [the home series against] New Zealand a couple of years ago, we flew from there."
England's batting is an obvious strength as they continue to regularly rack up scores of more than 300.
But in Plunkett, Chris Woakes - and with Mark Wood and David Willey set to be fit again after their injuries - they have sound prospects with the ball too in home conditions.
"We've got a strong squad, big stars in our team," added Plunkett.
"We fancy our chances. There are some good teams coming to England this summer, but we back ourselves to beat them."
As for his own hopes of inclusion in England's first-choice XI, he is taking nothing for granted yet.
"It is tough, there are people who have been injured who are coming back," he said.
"But I hope, after doing well this winter, I'll get the nod."
At the other end of England's potential age range is 20-year-old Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane.
He perhaps has an outside chance of involvement at some point this summer, after taking in a winter which has included recording figures of four for 39 in the South's final victory over the North for their 3-0 series success in Abu Dhabi.
Crane, who also made a Sheffield Shield debut for New South Wales this month and has benefited from tutorials with former Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, said: "I'm loving it. The North v South was a great experience.
"It was a great opportunity . in front of all the England coaches. We learned a lot from the older guys in the group especially."
England coach Trevor Bayliss, already known to be an admirer, was in attendance and can only have been impressed again.
Crane is not expecting an immediate England call-up , though.
He said: "I hope (so) one day maybe but at the moment, I think I've still got a long way to go yet."
Source: PA
