Former England batsman Owais Shah has tipped one-day captain Eoin Morgan to skip his team to victory at next month’s ICC Champions Trophy, insisting his leadership has created a new mentality within the national side.

Morgan and co will kick off their campaign at The Oval against Bangladesh on June 1, as they look to land their first ICC Champions Trophy title having been usurped by India the final four years ago.

Following on from convincing ODI victories against Ireland in recent weeks, England will enter the tournament with an abundance of confidence, and are favourites to lift the silverware come June 18.

The last two years have seen somewhat of a resurgence in their white-ball game, with a new-found ability for explosive cricket catapulting Morgan’s men from strength-to-strength.

And with the 30-year-old Dubliner at the helm, Shah is confident England’s new brand of cricket can see them go all the way.

“I think Eoin is a very, very good player, and I don’t think people give him enough credit. He is a class act,” said Shah.

“I have seen him grow up. We were both at Middlesex and I saw his development right from a young age. He’s mentally strong, and when he is under pressure, he produces.

“That is a very good trait to have as a captain because when the chips are down, he puts his hand up and I think that is something the team can bounce off.

“The one thing I see the guys playing is with no fear. I think in the past, they have been battling for places or worried or timid, but this year, they aren’t worried about anything.

“The selection policies seem to be in place where even if you fail, you’re still backed, which is quite comforting for a player and I think the guys aren’t worried about playing for their place.

“It’s more of case of going and winning the game for England which is the correct mindset for a sportsman, to be able to go on and do well in a competition.

“I think Eoin has brought that to the team, that fearless brand of cricket which is what the team are playing at the moment.”

England have twice reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, losing by two wickets to the West Indies in 2004 before their final defeat to two-time victors India nine years later. 

Promisingly, though, both second-place finishes came on home soil, and as England and Wales prepare to host the tournament for a third time, confidence is high England can continue that fine form and go one better this time around.

“I’m very excited for the Champions Trophy. Last time England played in the tournament, we were unfortunately beaten by an Indian side who probably felt more at home than the England team because of the conditions,” he said.

“Everyone was surprised by it, but England always tend to do well in the Champions Trophy, especially when it is here.

“I’m excited by this group of guys who are playing one-day cricket for England at the moment, I think they can go all the way, and even win the trophy.

“Since Eoin has taken over the captaincy, the guys have gone from strength-to-strength. They’re not scared of expressing themselves, even if they are in a bit of trouble during a game.

“They will go out there and play their shots, and get a decent total. They are playing a very good brand of cricket which I think is very exciting for England cricket.”

The ICC Champions Trophy (1-18 June) and ICC Women’s World Cup (24 June – 23 July) will both see the best eight ODI teams in the world compete for glory in England & Wales this summer. Tickets available at icc-cricket.com/tickets