Cricket World Cup 2023: England's Jos Buttler 'absolutely' believes after 'big setback' against Afghanistan
- Published
England v Afghanistan highlights
Captain Jos Buttler says England's shock defeat by Afghanistan is "a big setback" but "absolutely" believes they can reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The defending champions lost by 69 runs, their second defeat in three games, in a major blow to their hopes of qualifying from the group stage.
England may need to win five of six games to progress with matches against hosts India, unbeaten South Africa, Pakistan and Australia still to come.
"We must keep that belief," he said.
"It is a big setback obviously. Before the tournament started you have a different idea of how the first three games would pan out.
"We have to show a lot of character, resilience and most of all belief. There are a lot of excellent players in there.
"We've got a lot of resilience and will come back fighting."
Having decided to bowl first, England were quickly put under pressure as Afghanistan's openers put on 114 for the first wicket in just 16.4 overs with Rahmanullah Gubraz in destructive form.
Despite a mid-innings fightback that helped restrict Afghanistan to 284, a series of tame dismissals soon put Buttler's side under pressure and, with spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi impressing, they never recovered.
"They outplayed us today," Buttler added.
"It's always about execution and throughout the game we were not at the level we wanted to be consistently enough.
"You've got to find ways to impose yourself on the game and execute your skill."
Asked by Sky Sports if he still has faith in England after two defeats, Buttler said: "Absolutely."
'We need to let it hurt' - Buttler reacts to Afghanistan defeat
Opening bowler Chris Woakes struggled for England, ending with figures of 0-41 from four overs, as his difficult start to the tournament continued.
The double World Cup winner has taken a combined 2-135 from 18 overs across the first three games with an economy rate of 7.50 an over.
"He's not bowled at the level we know he is capable of," Buttler told BBC Test Match Special.
"But he's a class bowler and he's been a high-class leader of our attack for a long period of time. I always retain huge amounts of faith in him.
"He's been fantastic for England throughout the summer and he's a class player and you just keep backing that."