England select unchanged squad for fifth Ashes Test despite Old Trafford defeat

Keep calm and carry on is the message for England's Ashes flops after an unchanged squad was named for the final Test at the Oval.

The Ashes cannot be regained by England, but a 2-2 draw is still possible as well as the points on offer for the World Test Championship.

And National Selector Ed Smith has backed the 13-men who were at both Headingley and then Old Trafford as the Ashes went south to pick themselves up for one last tilt.

There could still be changes to the final eleven with huge concerns over Ben Stokes' shoulder and his ability to bowl in the match.

He would still play as a specialist batsman if he is unable to bowl, but that could see a recall for either Sam Curran or Chris Woakes to the side as the all rounder with Jason Roy making way.

Root has come under fire for his captaincy (Action Images via Reuters)

Both Curran and Woakes could squeeze their way into the side ahead of Craig Overton, despite his sterling effort in trying to bat out for the draw at Old Trafford.

Overton's bowling proved to be less threatening than the rest of the England attack, bar a brief spell in which he took the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne in the first innings.

But with his batting to fore, he may well have done enough to keep his spot for the final Test of the summer.

Roy could finally make way (Getty Images)

“It’s obviously disappointing,” said Overton following the defeat on Sunday. “We set out at the start of the day to show some character and the boys did that.

“Everyone got stuck in to take it that deep on a day five wicket against a world-class bowling attack. We are proud, but it’s disappointing that we couldn’t get over the line.

“It’s disappointing that we’ve lost but the character we showed today, take that to the Oval and make sure we get that win to stop them winning the series, and make sure they only retain it.”