Warne predicted England would mount a staunch Ashes defence when international cricket's oldest rivalry resumes later this month, saying the side touring down under was stronger than the one that ended an 18-year Ashes drought in September 2005.

Warne said he was not underestimating England, even though since the Ashes defeat Australia have swept aside all comers in the Test arena, while England has displayed indifferent form.

"The Ashes always brings out the best in both teams, no matter how poor one of the sides are playing," he told reporters.

"At the moment, England aren't playing as good as they would like but at the end of the day it's all about how they play during this series.

"They've got some match-winners there and I'm sure they'll be looking to entertain and play well."

Warne said England campaigners from the last series such as batsman Kevin Pietersen and captain Andrew Flintoff now had more experience, with the latter well rested after an injury-enforced layoff.

Test cricket's leading wicket taker was also impressed with England's Ashes debutants, spinner Monty Panesar and wicketkeeper Chris Read.

"The two key areas in Australia are the wicket-keeping department and the spin bowling department," said Warne, who hopes to become the first bowler to claim 700 wickets during the upcoming series.

"I think everyone realises that Chris Read is the best keeper in England and Monty Panesar is a match-winning spinner, he's shown this summer that he's an attacking spinner who can win you games."

Warne said England's selectors had to weigh Panesar's attacking prowess with the added protection his main rival for the spinner's spot, Ashley Giles, could offer the batting line up.

"I suppose a big concern for them is their tail," he said.

"If they play Panesar, then they've got (Matthew) Hoggard, (Steve) Harmison and a few of their other players down there, they could have a very long tail ... Ashley Giles can hold a bat."

Unlike previous Ashes series, Warne has not attempted to develop a mystery ball for the upcoming clash, saying success would be a matter of hard graft and meticulous application of an armoury now familiar to his opponents.

"There's no mysteries, they know what they expect from me and what I bowl," he said.

"We know how they're going to bat, they know how I'm going to bowl, it's a matter of execution and who does the best on the day.

While respectful of his opponents, Warne was pleased with Australia's form.

"Since we lost the Ashes in England we've played some exceptional cricket, we've won 11 out of 12 Tests -- the one-day side has been playing exceptional -- everyone has a little bit of form," he said.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting was also upbeat, saying he "couldn't be happier" with his squad and dismissing criticism the side's ageing stars could leave the host nation vulnerable.

"Those guys keep performing -- look at Warnie, (Glenn) McGrath and (Matthew) Hayden, they're some of our best performers currently and I'm sure they'll put their hands up and get the job done here," he said.

The first Test in the five-match Ashes series begins in Brisbane on November 23.

Meanwhile, Warne said he wanted to claim his 700th Test wicket during the upcoming Ashes series and ruled out retiring while he still enjoyed playing the game.

Already Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with 685 scalps, Warne said he hoped the series against England would take him past the 700 mark.

"I only need 15, so I'd like to think at some stage during the series I'd get that," he told reporters.

The 37-year-old said there was no need to consider retirement if he was still taking wickets.

"I'm probably fitter now than when I started, also I think it's dictated by performances -- if you're performing your role in the team well, it really doesn't matter about your age," he said.

"As long as we're playing good cricket and we're winning and we're fit, I don't think that'll come into it at all."

Warne was non-committal when asked whether the Ashes series beginning November 23 would be his last.

"If it's my last series it's my last series," he said

"I don't know whether it will be or not, retirement is about enjoyment, it's very enjoyable playing cricket for Australia at the moment.

"We've won 11 out of 12 Tests since the Ashes, we've played well, I enjoy playing under Ricky and we've got a good group of guys together.

"How long that lasts, whether it's two years, three years, four years -- who knows? I'm only 37."