England captain Jos Buttler has admitted a review of the team's limited-overs leadership is imminent after their early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. England failed to progress past the group stage of a 50-over ICC tournament for the second consecutive time, suffering defeats against Australia and Afghanistan.
Following a nail-biting loss to Afghanistan, Buttler addressed his future as captain, acknowledging that tough decisions lie ahead.
"The results aren't where they need to be, and I personally need to consider all possibilities," Buttler said. "I've got to work out whether I'm part of the problem or the solution."
Buttler confirmed he would take time to reflect before making any decisions, with England set to conclude their campaign against South Africa on Saturday.
"I'm not going to make any emotional decisions right here, right now. Results weigh heavy at times, and of course, you want to be leading a winning team. We haven't been that for a while now, so obviously, that brings some difficult moments."
Former West Indies fast bowler and commentator Ian Bishop weighed in on England’s struggles, stating that leadership changes may be necessary.
"They have to be a much better team than that," Bishop said. "The quality is there, but they are not harnessing it. That might just mean maybe another leadership."
England had their chances in both of their Champions Trophy matches. They were on the verge of victory before Australia completed a record run chase, and against Afghanistan, a last-over thriller slipped away.
"A more confident team would have got over the line tonight," Buttler admitted. "It's up to us as individuals and as a team to find ways to get back where we need to be."
The loss to Afghanistan leaves England with just a dead-rubber clash against South Africa before returning home, where difficult conversations about the team’s white-ball future await.
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