Who is the best footballer in the England squad. Who is the joker?
Saturday 2 July 2016 07:17, UK
David Willey answers YOUR Twitter questions – and reveals who the best footballer is in the England squad – ahead of the fifth ODI against Sri Lanka…
Jason Roy's hundred at The Oval was of the highest quality.
We have Sky on in the dressing room, and it kept showing he was creeping up the near the record score for an Englishman in ODIs - we were obviously hoping he'd get it and although he fell just short, it was a magnificent match-winning knock.
We've now won the series, but talked after the game about now wanting to make sure we win 3-0 - keep the momentum, keep winning games. That's how you build belief within a squad.
We can't be complacent because Sri Lanka made it tough for us on Wednesday. The ball didn't swing for me, which made it particularly difficult, but fortunately I managed to come back and get a couple of wickets at the back-end of their innings which I was pleased about.
Hopefully I can contribute again on Sunday, but first, you've been in touch with your Twitter questions…
With Alex Hales' injury - did you put yourself forward for opening the batting? Did you bring up your 40-ball 100 in the T20 Blast quarter-final? Al Prince (@Al_prince19)
No, I didn't. I've not been in great form with the bat recently, if I'm honest. Moeen Ali has done it for England before, so was the man best suited for the job.
With England's success at the top of the order, will you ever get a bat?! Will (@swanseacitywill)
Hopefully not! If I never bat for England, we're doing well. The more I'm sat in the dugout in my tracksuit with my feet up, the better.
Can you remember what were you doing when you got the call up to play for England? Eoin Morgan Fans (@Eoin16Fans)
I was actually making lunch - I can't remember what - in my kitchen in Northampton. On the phone I was quite calm and professional, but when I hung up, I was running up and down the kitchen. A special moment to get that phone call.
What goes through your mind before the start of a new game? Do you feel nervous? Chocolate Chip Cooky (@nimz_nimra)
Yes, I do. I try to enjoy the build-up and the walk out in front of a packed-out crowd, but I definitely do get nervous in the lead up to games, a bit of anxiety about what is going to happen. You want to perform well, so naturally put a bit of pressure on yourself.
Who is the best at football in the team? mayank (@mayankkabadi)
James Vince. He tends to go under the radar a little bit, but he's probably the best. Quite a few lads get picked early on reputation, but who are highly overrated, Jos Buttler is one of them - poor work-rate.
Can you tell me which football team you support? If any! Martin Canning (@martincanning40)
I loosely follow Arsenal. As a kid I supported them, but as I've grown up I've moved away from following football a little bit and I'm now more of a rugby fan, supporting Northampton Saints.
What is it like to play with a group of mates in the England team? And how good a leader is Eoin Morgan? Kaif Khan (@KaifCricket6)
It's brilliant. It doesn't seem like work when you're playing with a group of good lads. There's a great atmosphere in the team, and that shows in the way we're playing our cricket. Morgs is brilliant, sometimes it's hard to tell whether he is happy or not! But that's a great quality, as he is calm at any stage of the game. That rubs off on the team.
How are you finding settling into God's Own County, Yorkshire? Stephen Lightowler (@LightyLufc)
Loving it. Everyone has been very welcoming, and it's a beautiful county. I'm thoroughly enjoying my time there at the minute.
Who is the biggest comedian in the England, and Yorkshire dressing rooms? lucas metcalfe (@lucas_metcalfe)
Liam Plunkett in both. I find him hilarious! Alex Hales thinks he's the funniest, and I don't actually know whether Plunkett is even trying to be funny, but I just find his mannerisms and the comments he makes here and there, hilarious.
Who is the biggest inspiration for you in cricket? Muneeb-Ul-Husnain (@IamMuneebLali)
This is a bit cheesy, but it's probably my dad, Peter Willey. A bit cringe worthy, but growing up he helped me out with my training, took me round to loads of cricket grounds. I've always looked up to him, although there is a little bit of father-son rivalry, in that I'd like to achieve more than him.
Which player would you most like to take the wicket of who you haven't so far? bilalhanifx (@BilalHanifx)
Virat Kohli. He's probably the best batsman in the world right now. It would be nice to get him. I've not played against him yet, but hopefully I'll get the chance as there is no better way to see where you're at as a cricketer than when you're up against the best players in the world.
Which is your favourite ground to play on and why? Bridie Jenner (@BridiesTyping)
Lord's. I remember going there as a kid when my dad was umpiring and I always dreamed about one day playing cricket there. It's the home of cricket, a special place.
Do you think this England XI can win the Champions Trophy next year? ECB FAN (@KainaatFatima)
Absolutely. Just look at the way we're currently playing our cricket. We've got a great bunch of lads, and certainly have the quality in the team. It's about consistency over a long period of time, which is something we're working on, but we've definitely got the potential to win it.
Watch the fifth and final ODI between England and Sri Lanka, from Cardiff, from 10am, Saturday, Sky Sports 2.
