World Cup getting under way ...

Too many reporters on the radio this morning saying "nice to be here in the sun" ... and I have to compose this report from a rainy London office.

However, the world Cup is about to get under way with the opening warm up matches starting this evening, what are the prospects for an England victory?

Do we believe "Rain No Play" when they suggest "England heads into the World Cup as one of the hottest teams, enjoying a 4 match winning streak."

England should be reasonably well placed to win the initial group round - opponents in Group C are Kenya, Canada and New Zealand. Kenya and Canada should pose no real problem, New Zealand can be expected to put up a fight but England have the recent experience of beating them in the Commonwealth Bank Series to fall back on.

Tonight's warm up should tell us if England are still on the boil or if they have once again relaxed and gone to sleep in 'dat Caribbean sun.

Australia have to be the side to fear in the long run, even if England did beat them last month, but no one can ignore the likes of India, Pakistan, South Africa or Sri Lanka all of whome could show well.

Let battle commence !

England Squad:
M Vaughan (captain), A Strauss, M Loye, K Pietersen, A Flintoff, I Bell, P Collingwood, E Joyce, J Dalrymple, P Nixon (wkt), J Anderson, C Tremlett, M Panesar, J Lewis, L Plunkett.

Coach: Duncan Fletcher

England Group C Matches:
Fri March 16 - New Zealand
Sun March 18 - Canada
Sat March 24 - Kenya