Mark Wood and Tymal Mills both believed that England were going to progress through to the T20 World Cup final before their disappointing semi-final defeat to New Zealand.
Tournament favourites England went into the game full of confidence after winning four of their opening five games of the competition, a run which included an emphatic victory over arch rivals Australia.
However, the Black Caps successfully chased down a score of 167 with an over to spare, thanks to a late onslaught from Daryl Mitchell (72 not out of 47) and Jimmy Neesham (27 off 11) to knock England out of the tournament.
Pace bowlers Wood and Mills have both since admitted that they thought the team was playing too well not to win.
‘It feels like a missed opportunity,’ Wood said on the Good Pace for Radio podcast. ‘I know we are missing key players, but we have such a good side.
‘I was almost sure we were going to do it again [win an ICC event]. We started the tournament so well I was sure we were going to do it.
‘It might have been a great game to watch but it just left me feeling really flat. It hurt a lot. I never envisaged us losing games.
‘I truly believed we were going to win. I think that is a positive for our side – our confidence.’
Meanwhile, Mills, who miss the clash through injury, added: ‘It did feel like we were building towards a final, not to say we were complacent. It is important to give New Zealand credit.
‘I was sat on the bench with Liam Dawson and J-Roy [Jason Roy]. J-Roy rides the rollercoaster of emotion more so than any of the other players.
‘He was going nuts when we were taking wickets and then when New Zealand were on top he was down. He was tough to sit next to.
‘I found it tough watching that second innings, especially when it got to the end. Death overs, that is why I play the game. That is my job. Those are the occasions I love being a part of.
‘I wanted to get my kit on and run out there and bowl. I felt so helpless. I wanted nothing more than to be out there and helping the lads.’
MORE : Aaron Finch hails Adam Zampa as T20 World Cup player of the tournament after Australia beat New Zealand in final
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