Managing director Rob Key and coach Brendon McCullum retain the backing of England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould despite criticism from recent England players. Gould confirmed Key, McCullum and England captain Ben Stokes would all remain in their posts last week despite the 4-1 Ashes defeat by Australia this winter.

Since then, Jonny Bairstow, Reece Topley, Ben Foakes, and David Willey have joined Liam Livingstone in criticising the regime. "When players come out of the England fold it is difficult for them," Gould said. "It is difficult for any player when they get dropped in any sport. They will not agree with the decision, I wouldn't want them to. "There is probably about 300 players who want to play for our England teams."

ECB allows replacements for injury, illness & life events. Bairstow, who has not played for England since 2024, said those in charge need to bring "the care back in the game", adding "as soon as you are out of the system, you are out of the system". Speaking to Cricinfo, external earlier this month, Livingstone said "no-one cares" about those outside the inner circle and he was told he "cares too much" when asking for help. He has not played for England since the Champions Trophy last March.

Topley said Livingstone was "kind" about the England management, while Foakes outlined how reserve batter Keaton Jennings served as his wicketkeeping coach on one tour with no permanent specialist in place. The criticism has added to the debate around the England hierarchy but Gould rejected the idea negativity is overshadowing the start to the county season, which begins on Friday.

"I really don't agree with that," Gould said. "The start of a new season is always an exciting juncture. What you choose to write is up to you but we are looking at this in a positive fashion. You look at the numbers in the recreational game, the attendance levels, all of our metrics are up and positive. Yes, we have had a difficult winter but that is a road bump we will get over."

Gould also played down the chances of England participating in a proposed tournament for European nations. Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice said earlier this month that discussions were under way with stakeholders to create an annual 'Euro Nations Cup' in both the men's and women's game from 2027 onwards. The ECB held talks with Cricket Ireland over the idea during last September's white-ball series.

It was hoped England would support an event staged early in the summer featuring Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands and possibly Italy. England's presence would add commercial clout to the tournament and make it more appealing to broadcasters in addition to support with venues given the lack of international-standard grounds elsewhere. Gould said it was "a very nice idea" but cited complications over fitting the tournament in alongside England's existing international commitments. "Our schedule is absolutely jam-packed, and we're not looking to add to our schedule," he added.

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