Brendon McCullum Wants to Stay as England Coach

England head coach Brendon McCullum has expressed his desire to remain in the role despite the team’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 following a seven-run defeat to defending champions India in the semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday.

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The 44-year-old took charge of England’s Test side in 2022 and expanded his responsibilities to include the white-ball teams in January 2025. His current contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) runs until 2027.

McCullum’s tenure has included some challenging periods. Among them was a 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia, which led the ECB to initiate a “thorough review” of the team’s preparations in January.

Despite the setbacks, McCullum reaffirmed his commitment to the job and his belief in the team’s long-term progress.

“I love the job. It’s a great job. It doesn’t come without its challenges, of course, but that is the nature of it,” McCullum stated.

“I feel we have achieved some really cool things over the last few years, but there is still so much to achieve with the side, across all formats. A bit of time to reflect, to let things land and objectively look at what is and isn’t working.”

Praise for Bethell and England’s White-Ball Group

England came close to chasing down India’s 254-run target in the semi-final, thanks largely to Jacob Bethell’s explosive 105 from 48 deliveries. McCullum praised the innings as well as the overall fight shown by the side under captain Harry Brook.

“I think the white-ball side has been exceptional post-Ashes, winning away in Sri Lanka and then getting to this stage at the T20 World Cup,” McCullum said.

“I think we have played some good cricket with a real identity about it under Brook’s captaincy. Harry Brook’s leadership throughout, after a couple of tough months leading in… for him to have the mental fortitude to be able to galvanise the team, and connect the side how he has, it’s been superb,” he said.