Stuart Broad has claimed that his England side are ready to begin the defence of their Twenty20 World Cup.

The 2010 champions face Afghanistan on Friday after victories in two warm-up matches over Australia and Pakistan respectively.

Despite being criticised for lacking experienced players, Broad believes that England have the class to defend their title in the difficult conditions in Sri Lanka.

"The 15 guys in the squad are excited to be here, up for the challenge - and that's what you want coming into a tournament," said the Twenty20 captain. "We've not just got players who can 'do a job'; we've got world-class match-winners in the side.

"Yes, we've got guys who haven't played a lot of international cricket. But we've got eight of us who won the 'World Cup' two years ago - and players who can clear the ropes, guys down to number nine who can do that. I think you need that in Twenty20 cricket."

Luke Wright has urged England to take Afghanistan seriously in Colombo on Friday.