THIS is it England. Don’t get scared now.

It’s not like England to be heading into a World Cup as favourites, but this is the position Eoin Morgan and his fearless team-mates find themselves in.

For months all of the talk has been about England following in the footsteps of India (2011) and Australia (2015) by lifting the trophy on home soil.

Plenty of batting firepower, a top class limited overs leg-spinner and some high quality fielders gave England that billing of favourites despite a seam attack that raised questions.

Step forward Jofra Archer. The 24-year-old has added genuine pace and extra class to Morgan’s bowling options, leaving England full of confidence.

But World Cups aren’t just handed out to the favourites and the format allows any of the 10 teams - okay, nine, sorry Afghanistan - the chance to reach the last four.

Of those nine, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, are less likely to challenge for silverware, although the latter won the Champions Trophy in England two years ago and have a habit of rising to the occasion.

In contrast, South Africa often flatter to deceive. It’s an old squad that Faf du Plessis has to manage with seven, including the skipper, 30 or over.

The likes of Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir - key players in South African history - have a combined age of 111, so getting through a long tournament has it’s problems, and Steyn has already been ruled out of tomorrow’s opener with England.

South Africa have talent, but it’s hard to see them reaching the semi-finals unless Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada - in particular - have tournaments to remember.

Notorious underdogs New Zealand won’t be going under the radar with Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill and Trent Boult all high-class operators.

The Black Caps will be pushing for a semi-final spot, but they could fall just short with West Indies, Australia and India joining England in the last four.

West Indies’ batting line-up rivals England in terms of depth and the ability to blast the ball to all parts.

Chris Gayle will be the name on most lips, but he could be eclipsed by fellow top order duo Evin Lewis and Shai Hope, which is a scary thought for bowling attacks.

It’s their bowling attack, ironically, where Jason Holder’s men could struggle. Ashley Nurse is the only out and out spinner in the squad, averaging 43.

Holders Australia have no such worries in their squad with pace trio Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Coulter-Nile backed up by Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon with all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis thrown in for good measure.

Steve Smith and David Warner will be out to prove a point in England after their bans and they thrive on pressure, much like India and Virat Kohli.

A powerful top order, kingpin MS Dhoni, fresh from a century yesterday, and a bag of tricks bowling attack gives India reason to be optimistic.

Semi-final line-up: England v West Indies; India v Australia. Winners: England.