England progressing, despite losses: Morgan

Eoin Morgan's England are unbowed by their three-wicket loss to New Zealand in Southampton and will stick to their attacking guns in a bid to win the five-game one-day international series.

The hosts lost the third match of the series to fall 2-1 behind but captain Morgan has his sights set on wins at Nottingham and Chester-le-Street.

The obvious shortcoming of their performance at the Rose Bowl was an inability to bat their full 50 overs - although they still reached 302 in the 45.2 they managed to see out.

Morgan was was unrepentant about their carefree approach, even after Kane Williamson (118) and Ross Taylor (110) shared a record double-century stand to steer New Zealand home with an over in hand.

He says it is important that England are not spooked into retreat following last winter's World Cup embarrassment.

"We're trying to change our process and mind-set with the bat - which may take time," he said.

"We've come a long way in the last three games, scoring 300 plus in each of them - which is a huge achievement, and a big turnaround.

"I want the guys to continue with that mind-set, and not worry about batting 50 overs. I think that makes guys hesitate and question their natural way of playing."

Morgan believes England lost the game in the field, spilling Taylor three times early in his innings which denied them a crack at a Black Caps middle order he regards as vulnerable.

"Grant Elliott hasn't had a lot of time in the middle, and the new guy (Mitchell) Santner hasn't played a lot of cricket.

"If we could get through their very experienced top four, it gives us a little bit of a chance. So that's where it cost us."

Meanwhile, a ready-made replacement has been found for injured Black Caps strike bowler Trent Boult - according to Williamson.

Ben Wheeler made a satisfying debut in Southampton, bowling with slippery pace and bounce in the three-wicket win.

He replaced fellow left-arm seamer Boult, who has been forced out of the remainder of the tour with a back injury.

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Wheeler (middle) celebrating his first ODI wicket for New Zealand // Getty Images

Three years after making his first class debut with Central Districts, 23-year-old Wheeler delivered on his promise with 3-63 off 10 overs.

Sharing the new ball with Tim Southee, Wheeler bowled with impressive speed and precision on another good batting surface.

He removed opener Alex Hales for 23 in his third over, caught at second slip, before returning later to dismiss aggressive batsmen Ben Stokes (68) and Sam Billings (34) as England collapsed in the last 10 overs.

Williamson was impressed with how Wheeler held his nerve.

"Trent's a world class performer so no doubt you do miss him," he said.

"But with the way Ben stepped up today, it was fantastic for him to show what he can do.

"It swung a little bit and he bowled with good pace. I think he just enjoyed himself and he picked up some key wickets."