England's formidable limited-overs squad fully deserve the 'favourites' tag going into next month's Champions Trophy at home, allrounder Moeen Ali has said.
England have undergone a major transformation in white-ball cricket since being dumped out of the 2015 World Cup during the group stage.
One-day captain Eoin Morgan has called the current squad the most-talented group he has played with and England sense a golden opportunity to win their maiden global 50-overs title at the June 1-18 tournament.
"The team we have at the moment, we deserve that tag," Moeen told British media.
"Playing at home is going to make a massive difference and, hopefully, we can win the trophy."
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England lost to India in the final when they hosted the previous edition of the Champions Trophy in 2013 and also finished runner-up to the West Indies last year in the World Twenty20 in India.
Spinning allrounder Moeen hoped the team would be third time lucky.
"We have lost a couple of finals recently but, over the last couple of years, we have played very well in preparation for this trophy," the 29-year-old said.
"Hopefully, if we get to the final, we can overcome the final step and win it. We have gained experience from the T20 World Cup so it will definitely help us."
Morgan's side have switched to an attacking brand of cricket since the World Cup exit two years ago and boast of a slew of hard-hitting batsmen who are capable of destroying any bowling attack.
"The mindset of the players has changed," Moeen said, praising the impact of Morgan. "He wants us to play without fear and to hit the lights out."
The hosts are grouped alongside 50-over world champions Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh in the tournament which features the eight top-ranked nations.
