England's Moeen Ali thinks New Zealand will be just as tough to beat as Australia

Opener Moeen Ali says England will need to produce a much-improved performance if they are to trouble co-hosts New Zealand in their next World Cup match on Friday.

England began their campaign with a heavy 111-run loss to Australia and their next assignment in Wellington pits them against a side who have already won their first two matches.

And Moeen thinks New Zealand are playing so well that they will present just as stiff a test as the tournament favourites.

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“Australia have set the standard and New Zealand are going to be just as hard, we feel,” said the off spinning all-rounder.

"We're going to have to up our skill level and up our game against New Zealand.

“Most teams have guys now who can smash the ball towards the end and New Zealand have power throughout the batting line-up, from the top all the way down.

"We've going to have to be on our A-game, especially in the last 10-15 overs when New Zealand are very, very dangerous

“It's a very tough start, we play two of the best sides.

"But, if we can win on Friday, it puts us in a great position I feel. It will show everybody that we are a good, serious side."

Most teams have guys now who can smash the ball towards the end and New Zealand have power throughout the batting line-up, from the top all the way down.

England’s youthful squad showed promise to reach the final of the Tri-series event which preceded the World Cup and will still be confident about qualifying for the quarter-finals, despite the setback in Melbourne.

"The World Cup is not decided over one game," Moeen added.

"It is a long period of time, there's a long way to go.

"That was probably the worst we've played in Australia throughout the trip so far.

"It's good to get that game out the way now, even though it was a bad result for us. We just look forward now to Friday."

England were training at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Tuesday and they may find conditions in New Zealand more to their liking than the fast, bouncy tracks prevalent in Australia.

"The wickets are flatter but, in terms of cloud cover and all that kind of stuff, it's a bit more like it is at home," said Ali.

"The batters and the bowlers probably feel it suits us a lot more."