England cricketers 'feel for Alastair Cook', but move on from Kevin Pietersen

England arrived in Canberra this week to begin a rapid rebuilding before next month's Cricket World Cup, new skipper Eoin Morgan facing the challenge of uniting a team historically troubled by disharmony.

While English all-rounder Chris Woakes conceded "everyone feels a little bit for Cooky", he endorsed Morgan as an "exciting" new captain who will help the team "move on" with a new era.

But the first mention of Pietersen, and his latest public comments that jealousies had existed in the England changeroom before he was axed last year, hit an immediate nerve.

"The important thing for us is that we're all pulling in the right direction, we want to do well for England and we've got a great opportunity here over the next few months to do that," Woakes responded, the press conference then immediately cut.

England is due to play two warm-up games in Canberra, against the ACT on Monday and the Prime Minister's XI on Wednesday, before the the Tri-Series against Australia and India, then the World Cup beginning on February 14.

Spearheads Stuart Broad and James Anderson have returned to the squad from injury, adding strike and experience. But the big question is whether England can jell under their new skipper.

"We had a little chat out here yesterday before practice started, but it was short and sweet," Woakes said of Morgan's introduction to the captaincy. "Everyone was excited with the challenge ahead and what Morgie's going to bring to the team, he's an exciting player and I'm sure his captaincy will do exactly the same thing.

"I think everyone feels a little bit for Cooky, he's going to miss out on a World Cup, unfortunately for him, but we have to move on and we've got a job to do over the next few months."

Asked if, after all the upheaval, England was a genuine shot at the World Cup, Woakes said "100 per cent".

"We've got a lot of talent in the team, if we can come together as a team and put in some strong performances and hit the ground running at the right time, I think we've got a great chance.

"We're away for quite a long time so it's good to build some unity and jell as a team. It's going to be a good opportunity for us, playing in Australia before the World Cup starts."

Woakes, 25, has also had to defend his selection in England's 15-man World Cup squad, many debating that he has taken the allrounder role from Ben Stokes, who last week smashed 77 off 37 balls in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Renegades.

But Woakes said the two warm-up games would be a good opportunity to him and other England players to consolidate their positions ahead of the Tri-Series.

"I feel like I warrant my place and I've got to force my issue forward to make sure I get in the final 11 for this Tri-Series," Woakes said. "Stokesy is a very good player as he showed in the Big Bash the other week. It's unfortunate for him, but his time will come. He's a great player and I'm sure he'll be back in the side at some point."