England prepare for the next stage in their gruelling one-day schedule in the unusual position as one of the favourites to become the first World Twenty20 champions over the next fortnight.

Having exceeded expectations by beating India in the seven-match NatWest Series on home soil, England are now in South Africa with momentum on their side as they compete for the inaugural world title in the 20-over format.

They have strengthened their squad to cover the unique demands of Twenty20 cricket and brought in specialists tailored for the event in Darren Maddy, Chris Schofield, Vikram Solanki, James Kirtley and Jeremy Snape.

Their squad is also littered with players starting to fulfil their potential with James Anderson emerging into an outstanding new-ball bowler while exciting Sussex all-rounder Luke Wright and Hampshire ace Kevin Pietersen have the capabilities to become the stars of the tournament.

But for all the optimism around the squad, captain Paul Collingwood is careful not to put too much pressure on his emerging side as they attempt to become the first England team in history to win a major ICC event.

"I wouldn't make us favourites," insisted Collingwood, who also has two other Hampshire stars in his squad in all-rounder Dimi Mascarenhas and seam bowler Chris Tremlett.

"The beauty of this competition is that every team is coming here thinking they maybe could win it.

"Twenty20 cricket can be like that. It can take one innings or one bowling spell to turn the match around, but it is good from our point of view that we have been playing a lot very recently.

"Our skills should be up to scratch and we're obviously match-fit and hopefully that's the edge we need to go all the way".

England also have the advantage of having invented Twenty20 cricket and have been playing it domestically since 2003 and have attempted to balance the squad with a mixture of experienced county players and proven internationals.

Perhaps the real key to their fortunes during the tournament will rest on the fitness of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who could set the event alight if he finds form and keeps clear of his persistent ankle problems.

Flintoff was given two injections in a week just to get through the end of the NatWest Series and both Collingwood and England are hoping he can remain fit for the next fortnight.

"I hope he can play the whole tournament, but we're going to have to assess it as we go along," admitted Collingwood.

"He's desperate to play for England but he's got a bit of soreness in the ankle and we'll be sensible about it.

"As long as he's desperate to play and it's the right decision for the day Freddie will play. He is a massive player for us and I've always said he is two players in one, not only on the pitch but also his character off the pitch.

"He is of massive importance in the dressing room and he spurs everybody on, he's that kind of character. It's great to have him here and hopefully he can play a massive part".

Flintoff's injury woes last night prompted England bowling coach Allan Donald to claim it will be very difficult for him to regain his full potency as a Test all-rounder.

Donald claims the Lancashire star has no option other than to remodel his bowling action to avoid further surgery if he is to prolong his career.

"I think the consensus from the medical team is it has to happen, he's going to have to change it (his action)," former South Africa Test player Donald said.

Donald admitted he did not think Flintoff could recapture his old form in the longer version of the game because of the toll it would take on his body.

"My heart tells me I don't think he can in the longer version of the game," added Donald.

England were moving from Johannesburg to Cape Town today in preparation for their two group matches against Zimbabwe and Australia on Thursday and Friday.