LIAM Plunkett claims England are "flying" as they bid to become world-beaters again at this summer's ICC Champions Trophy.

England have won just one global tournament in their history but Plunkett reports they fancy their chances of doubling up in June.

The evergreen Yorkshire seamer had an outstanding tour of the West Indies, where England defeated their hosts 3-0 earlier this month.

And although he acknowledges others returning from injury will press for his place, he is optimistic he can play a part again in the high-profile campaign coming up.

Plunkett is enthused by the progress England have made since the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand two years ago.

He said: "We're obviously flying. We're on home turf. After (the home series against) New Zealand a couple of years ago, we flew from there."

England's batting is an obvious strength as they continue to regularly rack up scores of more than 300.

But in Plunkett, Chris Woakes – and with Mark Wood and David Willey set to be fit again after their injuries – they also have sound prospects with the ball in home conditions.

Plunkett said: "We've got a strong squad with big stars in our team. We fancy our chances. There are some good teams coming to England this summer but we back ourselves to beat them."

As for his own hopes of inclusion in England's first-choice XI, Plunkett is taking nothing for granted yet.

He said: "It is tough. There are people who have been injured who are coming back. But I hope, after doing well this winter, I'll get the nod."

Plunkett was speaking in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the MCC's curtain-raiser fixture against county champions Middlesex, which started today and also features Yorkshire team-mates Adam Lyth and Alex Lees.