Cricket World Cup 2015: What to Expect from England Against Host New Zealand

England have endured a tough start to the Cricket World Cup and can expect a similarly rough ride against co-hosts New Zealand when they go head-to-head on Friday.

While the Kiwis match is not make or break for Peter Moores’ side, it will have implications for their chances of making it out of the group stages.

After a 111-run mauling by Australia in their opening fixture in Melbourne, England have lessons to learn. As one of the favourites for the trophy, New Zealand are in a position to teach them harshly. However, in England’s favour is that they can identify a number of key areas to work on.

Poor death bowling

England’s attack collapsed in the last 10 overs, allowing the Aussies to rack up 105 runs late on. Despite having specialist death bowler Chris Woakes in the ranks, the Warwickshire man could not intervene as the Baggy Green raced to their unassailable total of 342.

While Steven Finn’s five wickets demonstrated that he has come into fine form in time for the World Cup, England must not rely on him too heavily against New Zealand.

Senior bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad must step up their game if they are to conquer the Black Caps.

A shaky middle order

Relative new boy James Taylor top-scored with 98 against Australia, but by then much of the damage was done. Gary Ballance and Joe Root should have been the backbone of England’s batting, but neither made it to double figures. Moeen Ali once again looked overwhelmed as an opener.

The Westpac Stadium has not lent itself to high scores in recent years, and Friday’s fixture is unlikely to be too different.

Confidence will be key

ESPN’s George Dobell highlights the importance of New Zealand’s winning mentality, but that is not something they have amassed quickly. For England, a tough year on and off the field had taken its toll before they even stepped off the plane.

With that in mind, it is crucial that new captain Eoin Morgan motivates them to put their psychological differences aside and focus on the game in hand. With so much to prove at this World Cup, Morgan is under pressure already, with the spotlight placed on everything from his field placings to his bowling options.

New Zealand have the more enviable task of simply avoiding an upset. Brendon McCullum is the man England have to contain, and they will presumably field accordingly.

The 33-year-old hit 65 off just 49 balls against Sri Lanka, and while his side didn’t need to be at their best against Scotland, England will also need to keep an eye on his team-mates Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson.

Moores has acknowledged England’s failings, telling the Guardian: "If we’re going to win this tournament we’ve got to get better."

The head coach may ostensibly have his eyes on the ultimate prize, but in reality, playing against New Zealand is really an opportunity to showcase the progress they have made in the last week. Moores acknowledged the gap between his players and their Australian counterparts, but facing New Zealand is going to be an equally, if not more, daunting affair.

It is down to Morgan, then, to lead his men by breaking his woeful run against the hosts. New Zealand will be all too aware that the Irish-born batsman is capable of returning to his former status as a game-changer, even on a difficult pitch.

New Zealand have a far more balanced bowling attack, another factor which could prove the difference. England are ultimately up against it from the off and will have to enjoy a remarkable turnaround in fortunes if they are to upset the odds.