Morgan hails England for being at ‘forefront of change’ after T20 World Cup exit

England captain Eoin Morgan has insisted he is “incredibly proud” of his side following their heartbreaking T20 World Cup exit to New Zealand today

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Roy reflects as England make it two from two at World Cup

England captain Eoin Morgan has paid tribute to his side for being “at the forefront of change both on and off the field”, after they were knocked out of the T20 World Cup by New Zealand.

An outstanding innings of 72 not out from Daryl Mitchell and a brilliant cameo of 27 off 11 balls from Jimmy Neesham guided the Kiwis to a five-wicket win and earned them a spot in the final on Sunday.

New Zealand will take on Australia or Pakistan in the weekend’s showpiece final.

Despite coming up short against New Zealand, Morgan was full of praise for his team, saying he is “incredibly proud” to be their leader.

Speaking during the post-match presentation, a dejected Morgan said: “Coming into the game we knew both sides were very close in skill and both play a great brand of cricket.

“Full credit to Kane and his team, they outplayed us today. Unfortunately in a tight game we have come off the wrong end of the stick.

“I can’t fault anything that we have done tonight. We’ve fought unbelievably hard throughout this tournament.

“I think we’ve represented ourselves really well and tonight we have continued to do the same thing but we have come up short.

“That can happen in cricket but I am extremely proud of the guys, the way they have given absolutely everything throughout this tournament.

“They are at the forefront of change both on and off the field. I’m incredibly proud to be their leader.”

Morgan was also asked whether he would be returning to lead England at next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

“I hope so,” Morgan replied. “I think I am still offering enough within the side and I absolutely love playing cricket at the moment in this changing room.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, meanwhile, paid tribute to Mitchell’s “character”, saying: “It was an outstanding knock at the top from Daryl Mitchell but it was also about staying in there and cashing in on small match-ups, that was the difference.

“His character stood out today and has done in pretty much every game he’s played for us. It was an incredible knock. He hasn’t done it a lot at top of the order. There’s real quality there.”