Joyce aims to cement England spot

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Batsman Ed Joyce says the Champions Trophy represents a golden opportunity to secure a long-term role for England.

With Marcus Trescothick absent, the 28-year-old Middlesex star is in line to open and told BBC Sport: "This is probably the biggest chance I'll get.

"There are only 14 of us out there but whether I get a chance to play depends on whether Fred (Flintoff) bowls.

"I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself but you've got to realise when you've got your chance."

England head off to India on Friday with their first match against the hosts on 15 October.

Joyce's England career did not get off to the best of starts, an ankle injury preventing him from batting on his debut in the Twenty20 game against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl.

The left-hander made his first 50-over appearance against his native Ireland, and was drafted in for the final two matches of the series with Pakistan - but scored only 31 in the three innings combined.

I'm hoping they go with me and I do well enough to cement a place Ed Joyce

Kevin Pietersen or skipper Flintoff could also be promoted to open in Trescothick's absence, while Ian Bell is another possibility having batted at the top in the Twenty20 match against Pakistan.

"There are all sorts of permutations they could go with, we haven't heard a huge amount in the dressing room, it's been guess work by the press I think!" Joyce added.

"I don't think the management are certain what they are going to do yet that's why it's a great opportunity for whoever gets to open.

"Bell is another one they might try but I'm hoping they go with me and I do well enough to cement a place.

"I would think if we do well at the start of the tournament they will keep with it, if people do well it's very difficult to change things around."