Luke Wright wants his Sussex youngsters to shrug off cup final defeat and earn England honours.

The Sharks skipper told his side he was proud of them midway through their Vitality Blast decider against Worcestershire at sold-out Edgbaston.

And he added that has not changed amid the frustration of losing a game which appeared to be in their grasp.

Wright, who hit 92 in the semi-final success over Somerset, revealed: “I said to the guys at halfway it’s never easy to win when you’re chasing.

“I said we have a great bowling attack, I couldn’t back them any more.

“I told them how proud I was no matter what happened – and I AM proud.

“It’s too easy to get so wrapped up in win or lose.

“I told the young guys to take it all in.

“I told them to look around and enjoy it because, if they are going to play for England, this is what it’s going to be like going forward.

“It’s great learning and hopefully a lot of the guys can enjoy it and go again and we can see them in an England shirt one day.”

Sussex turn attentions to the Championship. They meet leaders Warwickshire at Hove from tomorrow.