ENGLAND captain Andrew Flintoff believes his side are capable of coping with the pressure of defending their Ashes title in Australia.

Their first series win against the old enemy for 18 years just over 12 months ago has not only raised expectations but has put the team in the spotlight like never before.

And the team's credentials will undergo a serious examination in front of partisan Australian crowds backing a home side intent on regaining the famous urn.

However, Flintoff said such conditions would only unite the squad, who touch down in Sydney later tonight.

"There is going to be pressure on most of us," said the 28-year-old Lancashire all-rounder.

"It is wrong to single players out. It is going to be a tough tour for everyone and it is something we are aware of.

"We will stick together, we will perform, and that is all we can ask the lads to do.

"As for putting pressure on people's shoulders - that is not going to happen.

"My side are going out there with a quiet confidence looking forward to the challenge."

Some would argue the man under most pressure is Flintoff himself. He has taken over the captaincy in the absence of the injured Ashes-winning skipper Michael Vaughan and will also be expected to perform with both bat and ball.

However, Flintoff has played little cricket this summer having had surgery on an ankle problem.

He has not bowled in a Test match since June 4, during the third Test defeat to Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge, and although he returned to action with five overs in England's final match in the ICC Champions Trophy against India he is a long way from being 100% match fit in that respect.

As the touring captain, Flintoff can also expect to be targeted by the Australian attack but that does not concern him.

"Pressure is something you put on yourself and I am not going to put myself under any more pressure," he said.

"To get a chance to captain England in an Ashes series is something you dream about.

"It is something I am looking forward to as opposed to putting undue pressure on my shoulders.

"Obviously we would have liked Michael with us but that has not happened so it gives me an opportunity to lead the side.

"I have done it a few times before and it is something I have enjoyed doing.

"Having the chance to do it in Australia in an Ashes series is even more special."

Flintoff has also dispelled any doubts about his fitness, stressing the Champions Trophy was an ideal way to ease his way back into international cricket ahead of the opening Test at the Gabba which starts on November 23.

"We had an important trip to India in the past few weeks. I have not played a great deal of cricket this summer but it was a good chance to play and to get out on the field again was invaluable.

"We have got two warm up games (against New South Wales and South Australia) in the longer form before the first Test match and I think that will be perfect.

"By the time we get to Brisbane we will hit the ground running." Tweet