England and Sri Lanka will eye a possible Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia as they battle for top spot in Group D with a Zimbabwe side that has had its spine ripped out by internal politics.

England and Zimbabwe begin the 16-day competition on Friday at Edgbaston with the home side buoyed by Andrew Flintoff's return after he missed the defeat to India at Lord's last Sunday to see the birth of his daughter.

The inspirational all rounder has been in fantastic touch in the last year having matured from a slogger into one of the world's best even if England's one-day form has been indifferent with three wins in the last eight completed games.

Opener Marcus Trescothick is always capable of a powerful innings, however, and fast bowler Steve Harmison has begun to translate his excellent Test form into the one-day arena.

"I feel now I am getting into the groove of one-day games," he said, although he is well aware that Flintoff remains England's match winner, especially now he is a father. "It gives you a spring in your step," Harmison added.

Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe on September 14 at The Oval on the back of a stunning 5-0 home rout of South Africa even without spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan.

Seam bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa will enjoy the bouncy Oval wicket and with the experienced Sanath Jayasuriya still scoring freely they will also be confident of beating England as they bid to regain the title they shared with India in 2002.

Zimbabwe will just be glad to be competing internationally, albeit onlyin the shortened form of the game after being suspended from Tests for fielding a side weakened by the boycott of 15 players over allegations of discrimination.

The team that is left contains few established names though wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu, the youngest captain in the tournament, has shown maturity that belies his 21 years.

ntROUP D GAMES

Sept 10: Eng v Zim, Edgbaston Sept 14: SL v Zim, The Oval Sept 17: SL v Eng, Rose Bowl