Brendon McCullum believes England are close to winning a title, admitting "you need a little bit of luck along the way" after their T20 World Cup semi-final exit to India.

India will face New Zealand in the final of the tournament on Sunday, but were put under serious threat by England in a thrilling chase during their seven-run victory.

The Men in Blue posted a daunting 253-7 in the first innings, and England, led by Jacob Bethell’s quickfire 105 off 48 deliveries, fell marginally short of a record run chase.

Bethell's 45-ball century is the third-fastest by an England player in the shortest format, after Phil Salt versus South Africa in 2025 (39 balls) and Liam Livingstone against Pakistan in 2021 (42).

England, who last won the tournament in 2022, had improved throughout the T20 World Cup, following up a stuttering group phase with a perfect run in the Super 8s.

And McCullum does not think his side are far away from getting over the line.

"It's not a big step, right?" he told Sky Sport when asked about the next steps for the team.

"That's a very good Indian side in their own conditions with the crowd behind them, and we ran them within seven, chasing an unbelievably high score.

"We're able to keep our head and keep our trust in what we're doing. For us to make the next step and win titles, you need a little bit of luck along the way.

"This group, as it continues to mature, there are still some young men sat in that dressing room, they've stood up in this tournament and shown this is the level they're capable of operating at.

We fall short at the semi-final stage

Chasing 253 we lose by just 7 runs. An incredible effort

Match Centre: https://t.co/6hbvHHX5Jf

#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/qzwsga02Qi

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 5, 2026

"The more familiarity that we get within that squad and game time we get together, the more screwed down you become as a side, and you're able to execute in the big moments.

"There's a lot to look forward to. Harry Brook's leadership after a couple of tough months leading in.

"To be able to have the mental fortitude to galvanise a team and head towards what you're trying to achieve and connect the side in the way he has, has been superb."

McCullum's position had been under threat heading into the tournament, following a dismal Ashes campaign that England lost 4-1 to Australia.

The 44-year-old has been with England as their Test coach since May 2022, before taking over white-ball duties as well in September 2024.

And McCullum is keen to stay in his position amid questions being raised over his future.

"I love the job. It is a great job. It doesn't come without its challenges, of course. That is the nature of it," McCullum said.

"It is a great job. I feel like we've achieved really cool things over the past few years, but there is still so much to achieve with this side across all formats. I would love to carry on, but we'll see what unfolds over the next little while.

"For now, after being on the road for a fair bit of time, it is going home and hopefully watching some fast horses and playing some shocking golf and taking some time to reflect.

"As you always do when you're a player, captain or as a coach, you let things land, then you objectively try and look at what is working and what isn't working and what things you need to rectify. If you're in the post, you'll try and implement those things.

"I've enjoyed the last six months, no matter how big a challenge it has been and how tough it has been for everyone involved. I would love to lead this team through the next stage."