Ben Stokes declares the All Blacks guru behind 'no d***heads' policy can take England to next level in pursuit of long-term winning culture
Gilbert Enoka, whose most famous work as a mental skills coach came with New Zealand's rugby union team during a period in which they won the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, is on a four-day consultancy with the England team in Manchester.
Last winter, while discussing the progress of the Test team in the first three years of their partnership, England captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum agreed that the next phase of Bazball was to redefine their values in a bid for sustained success.
It coincided with some loose public proclamations from England players, seized on by outsiders who questioned whether the relaxed nature of the squad — particularly a willingness to play and talk about golf — was conducive to success at elite level.
Wanting someone they could trust, McCullum backed fellow New Zealander Enoka, a man he has known for years, to articulate the enduring vision of the team.
'We can say as much as we want, but we don't have the knowledge or the experience in pushing teams on to the next level of where we want to go,' said Stokes.
'Months ago, when we spoke, Gilbert asked what mine and Baz's vision was for the team, how we wanted to take it forward. He went away, was able to put it into words and deliver it to the group in a very clear and simple way.
'Months ago, when we spoke, Gilbert asked what mine and Baz's vision was for the team, how we wanted to take it forward. He went away, was able to put it into words and deliver it to the group in a very clear and simple way.
'The culture around how we operate as a team on the field, off the field, the meaning of why we do everything. Baz and I are very big on the choices and options you take, that they should not just be involved around you, but around your team-mates.
'It was nice to hear, that we share similar values (to the All Blacks). Culture, behaviours, training. Being as good as you possibly can be.'
Enoka chatted with the squad ahead of the Test win over Zimbabwe in May and marked his return by reporting that he had witnessed shifts in mindset.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
a few seconds ago
- South Wales Argus
Ben Stokes willing to ‘run through a brick wall' to face India in Test decider
The England captain struggled with cramp in his left leg and general soreness, while more fitness issues emerged on the last day of the drawn fourth Test as he was clearly discomforted by his upper right arm. Stokes revealed he had hurt his bicep tendon, with his injury niggles the result of a taxing workload that has seen him already send down 140 overs in four Tests – the most he has ever bowled in a series. Making. Things. Happen. Ben Stokes gets one to jag back, stay low and KL Rahul is gone for 90. 🇮🇳 1️⃣8️⃣8️⃣-3️⃣ — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2025 However, Stokes, the leading wicket-taker of the series with 17 at an average of 25.2, is optimistic of taking to the field at the Kia Oval on Thursday as England try to seal a 3-1 series triumph. 'Hopefully I will be alright going for the last one,' he said. 'I am doing everything possible to be alright. It's been a big five or six weeks, I'll always try to give everything I possibly can. 'It's just a workload sort of thing. We got a fair amount of overs and everything starts creeping up on you. I'll keep trying, keep going and as I say to all the bowlers: pain is just an emotion. 'I'll always try to run through a brick wall for the team. Bowling, being out on the field it is tough work. I'm feeling pretty sore. I've physically been better. 'I don't want to eat my words but the likelihood I won't play (at the Oval) is very unlikely.' Stokes was magnificent at Emirates Old Trafford, where he became the fourth Englishman to record a five-wicket haul and a century in the same match – after Tony Greig, Lord Botham and Gus Atkinson. India slipped to nought for two when they had yet to eat into a 311-run first-innings deficit but KL Rahul and Shubman Gill led the tourists into calmer waters with a 188-run partnership. Stokes, having not bowled on Saturday, struck to have Rahul lbw for 90 during an eight-over burst on Sunday morning and hopes were high when Jofra Archer prised out Gill for 103 on the stroke of lunch. However, Joe Root's drop of Ravindra Jadeja from the next ball proved costly as the India all-rounder and fellow left-hander Washington Sundar batted out the rest of the day, making twin unbeaten hundreds. 'When the reality (hits) with where the game drifted towards, there is obviously going to be that comedown,' Stokes said. 'You can get the vibe that we've thrown everything and not been able to get over the line, there is that sense of disappointment and almost heartbreak – me being a captain, I was as well.' Ben Stokes and England were frustrated by India (Martin Rickett/PA) However, Stokes is well aware they cannot dwell on this result for too long as he added: 'I've got to be that upbeat person as well.' There were farcical scenes as the game drifted towards a conclusion in Manchester, where Sundar and Jadeja refused to shake hands with 15 overs to go – the earliest a draw could be agreed. The pair had batted out the final two sessions to ensure India would avoid defeat but on 80 and 89 respectively, Sundar and Jadeja carried on to rubber-stamp their fine performances with hundreds. England's frustration was palpable and Stokes brought on Harry Brook for some buffet bowling to speed things along, with Jadeja getting to three figures first before Sundar followed for his first Test ton. 'I did have to tell Harry Brook 'please don't do anything stupid – I can't have you pulling a side',' Stokes said. 'I wasn't going to risk any of my proper bowling options. England ended up bowling Harry Brook (Martin Rickett/PA) 'They played incredibly well. I don't think there would have been much more satisfaction in walking off 100 not out, getting your team off in a tricky situation, than walking off at 80 or 90 not out.' 'Scoring 10 more runs isn't going to change the fact you've got your team out of a very, very tricky situation and saved your team from a series defeat.'
The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
England seize Euro 2025 glory over Spain after Chloe Kelly settles dramatic penalty shootout
Substitute Chloe Kelly slammed home the winning spot kick for England in a dramatic shootout to complete a remarkable comeback to down world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final. The Lionesses stormed back in Basel after going behind in the first half through Mariona Caldentey's opener, with Alessia Russo's towering header levelling the match and forcing extra-time. And despite a scare in extra-time after Salma Paralluelo's miss from close range, Sarina Wiegman's side, playing their third successive major final, gained revenge on Spain after World Cup heartache in 2023 in Sydney. Hannah Hampton emerged as the player of the match after two spectacular saves in the shootout before Kelly, who had clinched glory at Wembley three years ago in extra time, held her nerve to blast past Cata Coll at St Jakob Park. "I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English,' said the Arsenal star, who was only on the pitch after Lauren James hobbled off before half-time with an ankle issue. "I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice. "Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman - she has done it again! Unbelievable. It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it." England have started slowly throughout the tournament, but hit Spain hard early on and could have lead through Russo, whose shot from a narrow angle down the right forced Coll into a save, with James unable to connect with the rebound. Hampton was also in top form, denying Esther Gonzalez, before Laia Aleixandri's mistake allowed Lauren Hemp to intercept inside the penalty area, only for Coll to miraculously deny the Lionesses once again. After Kelly replaced James before the break, Hampton was forced into action to deny the reigning Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Caldentey, before Russo left her mark on goal to equalise. Both sides navigated a tense period of extra-time before Beth Mead missed first in the shootout with a retaken spot kick, only for Hampton to haul England back into the contest by denying Caldentey and Bonmati. Captain Leah Williamson missed immediately afterwards, with England only leading 2-1, but Salma Paralluelo missed the target, guiding her shot wide of the post to set up Kelly for a shot at glory once again. And her penalty landed in the roof of the net to spark wild scenes of celebration with Wiegman left stunned at a personal third successive European title after a spell with Netherlands before taking over England. She said: "No, I can't believe it! We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible. "I just can't believe it. I have a medal around my neck and we have a trophy. It has been the most chaotic tournament on the pitch - all the challenges we had on the pitch against our opponent. "From the first game it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible. Football is chaos."
The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
‘I don't miss penalties twice': Chloe Kelly's ice-cold confidence carries England to Euro 2025 glory
's ice-cold confidence shone through in her post-match interview after her winning spot kick during penalties secured England 's Euro 2025 win. The Lionesses became the first England team in history to defend a major tournament title with their victory against Spain on Sunday (27 July). Kelly's winning goal followed two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. "I don't miss penalties twice," the Arsenal forward told the BBC. "I was cool. I was composed then. I knew I was gonna hit the back of the net."
