JOS'S BOYS ON FINAL CHANCE

JOS BUTTLER says England still have “optimism and belief” as they face up to two must-win games this week if they are to reach the Champions Trophy knockout stage.

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

The England captain hoped Ben Duckett's 165 in a total of 351-8 against Australia would be enough for an England Group B victory.

But Yorkshire-born Josh Inglis's rapid, unbeaten 120 turned the match and left Buttler and Co - who have lost 17 of their last 24 ODIs - to find a winning formula before they face Afghanistan on Wednesday and South Africa on Friday, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

Buttler said: “The longer (the losing run) goes on, the closer you get to winning and the optimism and belief is very much there.