Ireland will always give that little bit extra when they are taking on England, though and shouldn't lack motivation.
England vs Ireland | First ODI | Wednesday 20 September 2023 | Headingley, Leeds | 13:30
Odds TBA*
England have named a squad with only a smattering of World Cup-bound players with some of them clearly needing to play themselves into form.
Joe Root is the only batter set to face Ireland who was named in the Cricket World Cup squad England announced earlier this week, and he is in need of time in the middle.
Zak Crawley captains an England team that has a Lions feel to it, with 14 of the World Cup 15 not picked to face Ireland.
Ben Duckett might feel he was unfortunate to miss out on a World Cup place and could be out to prove a point this series.
Ireland’s top order transition isn’t really gathering pace, with Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling lingering in the frame.
They do have some exciting middle-order talents in Curtis Campher and Harry Tector, though, and could do some damage to the England attack.
Mark Adair looks to be the chief threat with the ball for Ireland and should get something out of the Headingley pitch.
Wicketkeeper batter Lorcan Tucker is the x-factor player for Ireland and someone whom England need to shut down.
Verdict: England
Even under-strength England should have this in the bag.
