England's prospects in the World Cup?

[Trumpton]

With the World Cup starting today, I'm wondering what we think about England's chances of progression, perhaps even to the final? After the diasters of the 1999 and 2003 campaign's, do we think it'll be the same this time around?

I read that some bookmakers are making England second favourites behind South Africa!! What with England's victory over Australia in the recent CB series, and the Aussies being stuffed by the Kiwi's in NZ, are the current world champs going to struggle to reach their predicted final berth?

[colin]

England's chances of even getting to the semis rely on the form of their bowlers. The batting should be ok, especially with Pietersen back, but the bowlers will have to cut out all the wides and no-balls. Winning the toss will be vital for England because i think their best chance of winning is chasing a total rather than defending one. Also, with no day/night games,there should be fewer problems batting second as there appears to be with floodlights.