England's recent Test series victory over Pakistan has injected fresh confidence into the side, a fact readily appreciated by the Australians.

Batsman Justin Langer said: "We are expecting them to be (even) better against us than they were last summer." Leg-spinner Shane Warne said: "If we're not at our best, they can beat us."

The series win over Pakistan ended a run of three Test series without a victory for England, but the Australia team are concentrating on the more recent results as a form guide.

Their talk is in stark contrast to the prelude of the 2005 Ashes series, when many players rubbished Michael Vaughan's team -- and were made to eat their words when England won 2-1.

Warne is expecting England's injury problems to ease, adding: "There's been a lot of talk that England have had injuries but they'll have a full-strength side.

"They've got plenty of depth."

Wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, who found batting against England's Andrew Flintoff a major challenge last year, says the well-rested Lancashire all-rounder remains a major threat.

"He's obviously been a focal point of our discussion and will continue to be so such is his impact in the world stage over the last two or three years," said Gilchrist.

Vaughan will miss the whole series with injury, but the Australians are not prepared to assume anything.

"I'm expecting their captain to be Michael Vaughan. I think that's the only way I know best how to prepare," said batsman Michael Clarke.