England national selector Geoff Miller has warned players in the current squad that they have to "perform" against New Zealand to keep their places in the side.
The Three Lions take on New Zealand in the first of a two-match Test series next week at Lord's, just weeks after drawing 0-0 against the Kiwis in their away series where they needed a special innings from Matt Prior to avoid defeat.
Miller told reporters: "It keeps your feet on the ground. It makes you realise you can't just go into a game and go through the motions and win the game because, on paper, you are supposedly superior. It doesn't work like that.
"These boys know they have to perform. It was very disappointing and we talked about that but they are capable of playing far, far better than that - and know that - and hopefully, I'm quietly confident, they'll show they are a better side."
Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann are back in Alastair Cook's side's squad for the games against New Zealand.
Simon Sinclair
