With nearly a week left for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, ace all-rounder Ben Stokes has expressed confidence that England can defend their ODI World Cup title as they have a “very good” team.

“I don’t think it’s arrogance to say we’re a very good team,” Stokes told The Guardian.

Notably, Stokes had called time on his 50-over career in July last year, citing that he was not able to give his 100 percent and playing all three formats amid a busy schedule is "unsustainable" for him.

However, the 32-year-old made a U-turn on his retirement call and England selectors were more than happy to pick him in the World Cup squad.

Stokes, who will feature in the World Cup as a specialist batter due to his long-standing knee issues, feels England will have an edge over other teams as they have more experience of playing in the big games.

“We’re in the mix. And what we now have in our favour, I think, is experience of huge games – an edge against sides who don’t play as many,” he said.

“I know franchise T20 cricket means a lot more players have been exposed to those situations; it’s great for that.

“But it doesn’t come close to wearing your country’s shirt, billions watching, knowing if you lose, you’re out.”

Stokes was instrumental in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph. He was the Player-of-the-Match in the thrilling final against New Zealand at Lord’s.

“So much time has passed but whenever I rock up to Lord’s I remember that day,” Stokes said.

“Weirdly, I always think back to the six Jimmy Neesham hit during the super over. I was just smiling out there, thinking ‘100 overs, dead level, down to the wire, all the mad things that have happened, what more can this game throw at us?’ It was ridiculous.

“That last ball of the match, the run out, everyone charging on to the field … yeah, it was pretty cool. People think I collapsed with emotion but in fact I just slipped. I thought I managed to style it out quite well.”

Following the World Cup in India, Ben Stokes will be leading England in a five-match Test tour of India, a place where they have won just a single Test since 2012.

“It’s the hardest place to win. I’m confident I have the players and will try to make India think differently to how they usually play. But they are a seriously good team,” the England Test captain said.