Archer, who became eligible for England selection last month, was over the moon after receiving his maiden call-up to represent his adopted country after having moved there at the age of 17 from Barbados.

There has been plenty of debate over whether Archer should walk into the England squad for the World Cup, which gets underway at home on May 30. And while Archer isn’t part of the World Cup unit yet, he could well be pencilled in should he do well against Pakistan and Ireland.

BREAKING: Jofra Archer has not been included in England's preliminary #CWC19 squad.

FULL SQUAD 👇

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 17, 2019

The prospect of Archer walking into the England World Cup squad after having qualified for the team only on March 17 has been a contentious topic. Incumbent England seamers like Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and David Willey have not appeared to be the most welcoming of the idea. Somewhat understandingly, Archer said he doesn’t want to step on anybody’s toes, but he knows ‘anything can happen’ if he does his best in the opportunities ahead of him.

“I’m going to give it my best shot,” said Archer. “I’ve worked pretty much all my life for this moment and I just want to tackle it and put my best foot forward. I’m not in the World Cup squad but it’s a great chance for me to show what I can do and anything can happen. If someone gets injured, I want to put myself in a position where I’m the first person they turn to.”

“It’s not all about the World Cup for me right now, it’s about playing against Pakistan which is what I’ve been selected for. It will still be the highlight of my career to play for England in the series against Pakistan.

“Of course, I want to play in the World Cup, but if it doesn’t happen for me I’m not going to get upset. I’m just so excited to play against Pakistan and this is a position I didn’t imagine I would be in at this stage.”

Included in England's squad for their series against Pakistan and Ireland, @craig_arch will be given the chance to earn himself a spot in England's World Cup squad.

A few months ago, @Yas_Wisden wrote that his case for selection is simply irresistible. https://t.co/yiSXSKJOag

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 17, 2019

So great was his motivation to play for England, that Archer was mentally prepared to run the full course of seven-year qualification. However, the new rules have come as a blessing for the all-rounder.

“It’s been an exciting three months but I’m surprised by how fast everything has happened,” he says. “I was fully prepared in my mind that it was going to be a seven-year job. When I found out I have qualified more quickly it was obviously a bit of a shock but also exciting. But the goal has never changed, which has always been to become the best cricketer I can and hopefully play for England whenever I was eligible.”