In 1995, Lloyd came into conflict with Dermot Reeve, then coach of Somerset, while in the Old Trafford committee room. He stated, according to Reeve in his biography Winning Ways: "I don't like you Reeve. I never have liked you. You get right up my nose and if you come anywhere near me, I'll rearrange yours." England Lloyd became England's coach in 1996, and saw England to Test series victories against India, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as ODI victories against India, Pakistan and the West Indies. He worked to expand England's support structure, including "a fitness consultant and a media relations officer, as well as a number of specialist coaches." In the winter tour to Zimbabwe, after two close draws, Lloyd generated controversy with his post-match statements. Speaking after the first Test in Bulawayo, which ended as a draw with the scores level, he stated "We murdered them. We got on top and steamrollered them. We have flipping hammered them. One more ball and we'd have walked it. We murdered them and they know it. To work so hard and get so close, there is no praise too high. We have had some stick off your lads. We flipping hammered them." The comments were not appreciated by Zimbabwe fans, with one banner in the crowd reading "Wanted. David Lloyd. For Murder of Zim Cricket Team. Last seen with his finger up his nose talking complete bollocks. He knows it and we know it." With his contract extended to 1997, he oversaw a 3–0 victory over Australia in the Texaco Trophy, and victory in the first Test of the 1997 Ashes series at Edgbaston, however three of the next four Tests were victories for Australia, allowing them to retain the Ashes despite England taking victory in the sixth and final match. Prior to the winter tour of the West Indies, Lloyd played a "leading part" in persuading Mike Atherton to carry on as captain. Despite defeat in the Caribbean and Atherton's eventual retirement, Lloyd's contract was renewed again for 1998. With Lloyd as coach, in the summer of 1998 England beat South Africa 2-1, their first victory in a five-match Test series since 1986/87. However, in September 1998, following the tour of England by Sri Lanka Lloyd received criticism from both the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board for calling Sri Lanka's Muttiah