Vaughan, who has never scored a one-day international hundred, was restricted to only three of the 10 matches during England's recent victorious limited-overs series in Australia after suffering hamstring trouble on his comeback from a year out with knee problems.

But Graveney told a press conference at The Oval: "Let's be honest -- we lost 5-0 in the Test series and five of our first six one-day internationals.

"Andrew Flintoff deputised for Michael Vaughan (as captain) in that period of time. It's only right and appropriate that he has time with his family then I'll talk to him about his views.

"My personal wish is that Michael gets off the plane at St Vincent to lead England," Graveney said. "It is dangerous for the layman to quantify an injury. We have a staff who will keep us informed and we will give any player as much time as we can."

England bounced back from a wretched start in the triangular series, which also featured New Zealand, to win four matches in a row, including three over world champions Australia.

"The selectors were delighted with the team's outstanding performance in winning the Commonwealth Bank (Triangular) Series and we have retained the bulk of the squad who were in Australia for the World Cup," Graveney explained.

Along with Vaughan, star batsman Kevin Pietersen also missed the finals with a rib injury.

Graveney said Pietersen was fit but concerns remained over pace bowlers in James Anderson (back) and Jon Lewis (ankle).

He added that the quicks, as well as Vaughan, would have their fitness assessed before the squad left for the Caribbean.

England, and several other nations, are taking advantage of a more relaxed approach from the International Cricket Council (ICC) who, unlike previous World Cups, have told teams that injured players can be replaced providing the technical committee approve the request.

Wicketkeeper Paul Nixon, the lone specialist gloveman, and Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara, both of whom made their one-day debuts in Australia, were included in the squad.

Graveney said Bopara -- who he labelled a "big-match" player even though he has appeared in just one limited-overs international -- got the nod ahead of hard-hitting Lancashire opening batsman Mal Loye, a replacement for Vaughan in Australia, because he brought a "better balance" to the squad.

There was no place for 20-year-old Leicestershire quick Stuart Broad, the son of former England opener Chris, who impressed when making his debut against Pakistan last year.

"He hasn't disappeared off the radar," said Graveney. "It was a hard call."

Pressed on the question of cover for Nixon, he added: "The likes of Ed Joyce and Andrew Strauss would be having to dig out a spare pair of wicketkeeping gloves."

England have never won a World Cup although they were losing finalists in 1979, 1987 and 1992.

But they have made little impression on recent editions and Graveney said: "We have under-performed in World Cups. We are a young side and we have got to make sure we are on the money right away."

England are in Group C along with New Zealand as well as minnows Kenya and Canada. Points from group victories against opponents who also qualify for the second-phase 'Super Eight' stage are carried over.

"New Zealand is a very big game, because when you get to the later stages the first game counts," Graveney stressed.

England are scheduled to leave for the Caribbean on March 2 and play their first warm-up match against Bermuda in St Vincent on March 5. Their first match in the tournament proper is against New Zealand in St Lucia on March 16.

Squad
Michael Vaughan (captain), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Paul Collingwood, James Dalrymple, Andrew Flintoff, Ed Joyce, Jon Lewis, Sajid Mahmood, Paul Nixon, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Liam Plunkett, Andrew Strauss.