FORGET about Euro 2004 for a minute - let's talk about the best cricket team England has produced in many years.

Michael Vaughan must be wondering if life can get any better.

Over the past three months he has led England to glory with a 3-0 win in the Caribbean and a clean sweep over New Zealand, the first since Mike Brearley's side did it in 1978.

Six wins from seven Tests! It's the best start in a quarter of a century, and there is surely more to come in the return series with the West Indies.

Vaughan has even snatched time to witness the birth of his daughter and learn a few tricks about nappy-changing.

England, it's been said, have suddenly acquired that formidable Australian quality of ruthlessness. I'm not sure about that, I think that they have simply realised that they are a good side with the potential of developing into a great one.

Obviously Vaughan has played a part in that, but England's success story is all about Steve Harmison, Andy Flintoff...and Duncan Fletcher.

If I hesitate in heaping praise on the national coach, it's only because it isn't easy to pay tribute to such a taciturn, unsmiling character.

Fletcher doesn't go out of his way to make friends. He prefers to stay in the background, and unlike soccer or rugby union, cricket allows him to do that.

Yet his work deserves recognition. Five years ago England were the worst in the world after being rocked by the Kiwis.

Now they have just whipped them 3-0 and, while the scoreline disguises the narrow gap between the sides, there is no doubt that England are on a `big upstroke' as Stephen Fleming put it.

Sven will no doubt get a gong if England win in Portugal, Sir Clive has already been to Buck House, but I wonder if there will be an invitation to Fletcher if Vaughan's side recapture the Ashes next year.

Not that I'm launching a campaign to have Fletcher beknighted - the honours list has lost all credibility since government took out a major shareholding in the celebrity cult. And I'm not sure he would be too bothered about it.

Maybe it's enough to say that he is a top-class coach, who has played a substantial part in England's resurgence.

And while Sir Clive is licking the wounds suffered at the hands of the All Blacks, and Sven is trying to rebuild confidence in Lisbon, Fletcher can look back on a job well done - and forward to what could be one of the most exciting periods in English cricket.

England celebrated a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand this week and here's how M.E.N. Sport rates the stars who made cricket history.

Ratings



MICHAEL VAUGHAN: Short of runs, but his snappy half-century at Trent Bridge suggests number four might yet be the best spot for him. Says: "What this side has done is good not just for English cricket, but for world cricket"7

MARCUS TRESCOTHICK: Messed up badly in the Windies where his only foot movement was in the direction of the pavilion. But back on track now. Skilfully captained the side at Lord's and scored possibly his best ever century at Headingley8

ANDY STRAUSS: Memorable debut, but has quickly found out that Test cricket is no waltz. Dropped a catch at Leeds and victim of a shocking decison at Trent Bridge. Interesting to see how he copes with the WIndies quicks next month8

MARK BUTCHER: Guitar man `Butch' needs a spot of re-tuning. No arguing with his overall record in recent years, but one 50 in six knocks against a lack-lustre Kiwi attack is a bummer for the strummer. And he's under pressure from Robert Key6

NASSER HUSSAIN: Went out with a bang with his match-winning 100 at Lord's after running out Strauss. Decided to retire immediately, enabling him to look back forever on a wonderful final performance8

GRAHAM THORPE: Reckons the sky's the limit for this team. It's great to see him revelling in his batting once more, after coming through his domestic crisis. And his match-winning ton at Trent Bridge was the icing on the cake8

ANDY FLINTOFF: Watching him and Chris Cairns battle it out was a treat. Over the three games, Freddie edged it. Less wickets, but more runs and some difficult catches nonchalantly made to look easy 9

SIMON JONES: Born on a Pacific mountain top of Welsh parents, raised in Oz. What a mix. And what a mix on the field, too. Positive batsman with a century in only his third Test, and some great catches between lots of sloppy mistakes8

ASHLEY GILES: Much-maligned cricketer, by me among other critics. I hold my hands up, `Gilo' is a winner. Hit 45 no and 36 not out at Trent Bridge and earned six wickets. Heck, he even turned the ball! Vaughan's big pal is there to stay, and on merit7

MATTHEW HOGGARD: WIll dine out forever on his Barbados hat-trick, but if that was the main course, the dessert has been a touch soggy. Claimed 4-75 at Headingley but the rest wasn't that impressive. Works hard, though, and England will keep faith6

SIMON JONES: Welsh speedo is out again with clutch trouble, this time for an `indefinite period' because of worries over a potential stress fracture in his foot. Has talent but needs to keep fit. Jimmy Anderson is best placed to take advantage5

MARTIN SAGGERS: Made England debut in Bangladesh and Called up at Headingley when Jones and Anderson were injured. Grabbed a wicket with his first ball, and kept his place for Trent Bridge but can forget about a long Test career6

STEVE HARMISON: On current form, the world's leading fast bowler. One danger is that England might be tempted to over-bowl him, he sent down 57 overs at Trent Bridge. Why not rest him for a couple of the NatWest Series games?10

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