LONDON, Sept 18: England fast bowler Darren Gough has tipped his countrymen to conquer the world after their dramatic Ashes victory over Australia. England will embark on tough tours to Pakistan and India this winter with selectors due to announce the squad for the trip to Pakistan on Monday.

And Essex seamer Gough, a veteran of 58 Tests and 157 One-day Internationals, believes England now have the capacity to win against any opposition in any conditions following this summer’s historic triumph.

“I honestly believe England have got the attack for all conditions now,” he said.

“The last time we played there (in Pakistan) it was all about mixing it up with slower balls and off-cutters but this England attack do that naturally anyway — I don’t think the conditions will faze them.

“It won’t be easy for them and it’s a difficult tour, but it won’t be beyond them.

“In Pakistan you tend to get flat wickets and a lot will depend on team spirit away from the cricket, which won’t be a problem with this side.”

England are poised to name a 16-man Test squad, but with the 12 players who featured in this summer’s Ashes series virtually picking themselves, the selectors’ main discussions will centre on the back-up players.

The 15-man one-day squad also virtually picks itself having done well during the one-day series against the world champions, although England may choose to include some younger players to give them experience as part of the long-term build-up to the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

That could mean Gough being replaced, possibly by Gloucestershire’s Jon Lewis, although Gough will not feel snubbed if he is overlooked.

“I know they want me around, but the one thing they’re going to have to discuss is whether they need to have a look at someone else just in case I’m not around for the 2007 World Cup,” he said.—AFP