Chris Woakes wants England to show what they are capable of when they return to the Wellington Regional Stadium tonight.
Eoin Morgan’s side did not to themselves justice when they played at the same venue nine days ago, Tim Southee and Brendon McCullum inspiring co-hosts New Zealand to a crushing Pool A victory.
Paceman Southee returned 7-33, the best one-day international figures by a New Zealand bowler, to dismiss England for 123 before McCullum blasted the fastest World Cup half-century, off just 18 deliveries.
But having responded to that loss by hammering Scotland at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, England will return to the ‘Cake Tin’ for the crucial clash with Sri Lanka with renewed confidence.
The bowling all-rounder said: “I think we have got a good opportunity to turn things around. The last time we were there it didn’t go to plan.
"It is hard to read too much into that game, I suppose we were pretty poor. We obviously didn’t get a total on the board and Tim Southee bowled exceptionally well.
“Hopefully we are past that now and have put that behind us. It will be good to show people what we can do.
“It is a good opportunity to put that completely behind us and, as I said before, show people what we can do and put in a solid performance."
Despite McCullum smashing England’s pacemen to all parts en route to 77 off just 25 balls, Woakes came through the carnage unscathed.
The 25-year-old removed McCullum with his first ball and also dismissed Martin Guptill in a three-over spell that saw him concede just eight runs.
Time-lapse GoPro video - watch England warm-up, field & play touch rugby today #LoveEngland : http://t.co/RLD5x1BtVs via @YouTube
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 28, 2015
Woakes said: "I feel in good rhythm. Since arriving in Australia (and New Zealand) I've hit my straps pretty well and executed plans reasonably well.
"I've had an off day here or there, but you have those every now and then.
"In general I feel pretty good and in good confidence ahead of the Sri Lanka game. I feel like I'm in a good place."
The match with Sri Lanka is crucial in England’s bid to qualify for the quarter-finals, having picked up one win from their first three matches.
They sit second bottom in Pool A, two points off second-placed Sri Lanka and a further four off leaders New Zealand, who have played a game more.
Batsman @joeroot05 signs some autographs for fans on his way to the nets #LoveEngland #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/BbUxRC5vXX
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 28, 2015
After losing to the Black Caps and Australia, Woakes wants England to prove they can mix it with the bigger sides, starting tonight.
"It's important that we do show up against the big teams," Woakes said.
"Sunday is a big game, having already lost two in the tournament already. It is important that we do beat the big sides.
"We want to get through to the quarter-finals and you're going to have to beat big teams on the way.
“Tomorrow is a big opportunity for us and we are looking to win it. We will be looking to see how good we can be.”
England could peak at right time in #CWC15 according to Sri Lanka head coach Marvan Atapattu #EngvSL : http://t.co/nRphYV2p8i via @YouTube
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 28, 2015
Sri Lanka coach Marvan Atapattu is wary of the threat England pose, especially in their seam bowling department.
The former opening batsman said: "They are a balanced side. I don't think they can be very happy about how things have unrolled for them in the recent past.
"Having said that they qualified for the (Tri-Series) final against Australia in Australia. That's always a positive.
"They have terrific batsmen in their first seven, and they have the best seaming attack on their day.
"They could beat anyone. We have to guard against being complacent. We have to play the best cricket we can on the day."