England are determined to remain focussed on their next Champions Trophy assignment, despite the tantalising prospect of winning a first 50-over global tournament having moved significantly closer.
Alastair Cook’s men are one game away from contesting a final on home soil after yesterday’s triumph over New Zealand in a rain-reduced contest at Cardiff Wales Stadium.
England will take on South Africa at The Oval on Wednesday for the right to face India or Sri Lanka at Edgbaston.
James Tredwell, who - for a second time in the event - stood in for the injured Graeme Swann yesterday, summed up the mood in the camp prior to their semi-final opponents being confirmed.
“We have as good a chance now (of winning this tournament) as any team in the next stage,” said the off-spinner.
“All the teams in this tournament are good and to beat New Zealand, who are a very tough side, was a very good result.
“We don't want to look too far ahead - to lifting that trophy, we hope - but equally, it's something that's in the back of your mind. That’s an absolutely massive thing.
“The semi-final is going to be tough, but we're two games away now from winning a major tournament.
“That's how we're looking at it. As a group of players, that's a place we want to get to. But first and foremost, we have a big game coming up.”
Swann's availability - a sore calf and stiff back have been the ailments which have so far curtailed his pivotal role over the past week - is not certain for the remainder of the tournament.
Cook made it clear last night that England will not be tempted into unnecessary risk, with such an able deputy at their disposal.
Tredwell added: "I'm in the squad and I'm getting a game here and there.
"I don't think I've let anyone down in the games I've played, so I hope that can continue.
"For my part it's fingers crossed, isn't it?
"But again Swanny's been brilliant, hasn't he, for a period of time So if he's fit, I'm sure he'll come into the reckoning - as they say."
Whether he does or not, Tredwell - named Kent captain this year - is on an upward curve, notwithstanding the statistical anomaly of failing to take a single first-class wicket so far this season in limited opportunities at county level.
“The last six to eight months have been really good to me," he said.
“I've got a few games under my belt and shown what I can do. When every game comes around now, I'm chomping at the bit to get on the park.”
In between the big fixtures, he and Swann - along with specialist coach Mushtaq Ahmed and occasional extra spinner Joe Root - are doing their best to pool knowledge for the common good.
England's two frontline off-spinners have contrasting but potentially complementary methods.
“We tend to bowl together in the nets a fair bit - and obviously Mushy's around and Rooty - and we all tend to throw some ideas around,” said Tredwell.
“But equally, we're very different bowlers. We've got to work things out for ourselves and put our own plans into action.
“What's right for me isn't right for him. Yes, we do talk - we're all part of the same team and we want results to go our way, so we try and help each other out as much as we can.”
Tredwell still hopes there may be room for both in the same England team, as there has already been three times - albeit only in sub-continental conditions, at the last World Cup and on the 2009/10 Test tour to Bangladesh.
“We've played together before and I don't see any reason why we can't again,” he said.
“We are very different, I think; we offer different things in a game scenario, so at some stage we might get a game together.”