Teenage spinner Holly Colvin has warned England they cannot afford to underestimate Sri Lanka in their opening game.

England will head to Australian capital Canberra later today in preparation to kick off their campaign at the Manuka Oval.

Pakistan and India are also in Group B with England and 19-year-old Colvin knows the team will have to be on their game or risk coming unstuck.

"I know very little about Sri Lanka," she said. "I have not played against them before, I know some of the girls played them in 2005, but since then we haven't seen them. We will not take them for granted and take the game as it comes.

"I think it is exciting playing against a new team and new players. That's what's great about playing in a World Cup."

Following the journey to Canberra the squad will have a vigorous training session before winding down before the game.

Colvin, though, is just raring to go as England bid for their first World Cup triumph since 1993.

"I can't wait," she said, "Playing for your country at the World Cup is the pinnacle of a cricketer's career and if I get picked on Saturday, then I will be really proud.

"The whole squad just wants the first game to come around now."

"Our preparations have been going well. I'm pleased with how everything is going. I'm bowling well and have been in a good rhythm. I have been playing in Australia for the last five months and that has stood me in good stead. I'm feeling confident."

England's performances in the warm-up matches have been encouraging, despite a 25-run defeat to Australia on Monday.

That, though, was a match they would have won but for some woeful batting, while they have also recorded a 116-run win over the West Indies.

"It was really disappointing against Australia," said Colvin. "We thought it was a really great effort tying them down to 210 but we let ourselves down with the bat. We have to learn from our mistakes."

And Colvin believes Australia, as hosts, will be England's main opposition for the title, although she feels their Group A rivals New Zealand could also be a threat.

"Australia are in their own back yard and are probably the team to watch out for," said Colvin. "I think New Zealand are key opponents too. They drew 2-2 recently with Australia in the Rose Bowl.

"But we are not looking too far ahead, just focussing on the next game. With the way the tournament is structured, we have to make sure we win all of our games. That's essential. Our goal still remains the same though, to reach the final and win."