Collingwood hopes his team's busy schedule could be an advantage

England, who face Zimbabwe in their first game on Thursday, go into the event with real momentum after beating India in a seven-match one-day series.

And captain Collingwood's squad is also full of experienced Twenty20 experts.

But Collingwood said: "I wouldn't make us favourites. The beauty of this competition is that every team is thinking they maybe could win it."

News conference: England skipper Paul Collingwood

But the Durham all-rounder said England would go into the tournament in South Africa full of confidence after ending the summer with a 4-3 win over India.

"It is good that we have been playing a lot recently," he said. "Our skills should be up to scratch and we're match-fit and hopefully that's the edge we need to go all the way."

Freddie is of massive importance in the dressing room and he spurs everybody on Paul Collingwood on Flintoff

Collingwood conceded that all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's fitness was vital to England's chances.

Flintoff was given two injections in his left ankle in a week just to get through the end of the NatWest one-day series and Collingwood hopes 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.