Great Britain can begin to spring one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when the tapes go up at Arlington Stadium on Monday night.

That is the view of Eastbourne boss Jon Cook, who believes the home nation are capable of mowing down the sport's big guns and creating a piece of speedway history.

No host country has won the tournament in its present guise, and a British team has not lifted the trophy for 15 years.

But Cook, who has masterminded Eastbourne's transformation from Elite League no-hopers to title contenders this season, thinks the current squad can put the Great back into Britain.

"This is the first time for years we have got the team we wanted. On other occasions we have been missing vital riders through injury and we haven't really had a chance. But I truly believe this team can go all the way."

Britain's fabulous five are packed with riders with Eastbourne pedigrees.

High-flying Eagles skipper David Norris, currently firing on all cylinders, will line up with former stars Mark Loram and new British champion Joe Screen, while Lee Richardson, son of one of the club's all-time highest points scorers Colin Richardson, learned his craft on the Sussex track.

Add Scott Nicholls, the Great Britain captain, and you have a clutch of riders who should be able to give anyone a run for their money round Arlington, while another ex-Eagle, Gary Havelock, is waiting in the wings.

Monday's opposition is provided by world champions Sweden, along with Poland and Hungary, while the second semi-final on Tuesday involves Australia, winners in the two previous years, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Italy.

Only the winners of each event are guaranteed a place in the final at Poole a week tomorrow, which in reality means Britain have to overcome Sweden and Poland, with Hungary unlikely to score any points which don't come gift-wrapped.

If Britain don't win at Arlington, they will get another chance to clinch a place in the final with the other second and third placed teams in the repechage at Poole next Thursday, where the top two teams qualify.

Cook believes the key to a British triumph is success on Monday.

He said: "If we blow Sweden away at Eastbourne we will go straight to the final at Poole on a high, and then I think we will win it."

The Arlington track, says Cook, will be prepared to suit the British riders and he is calling on the fans to ditch any club loyalties and get behind the home team.

Cook said: "I couldn't believe it when I went to Cardiff for the British Grand Prix and saw fans supporting riders from other countries because they ride for their teams.

"I find that incredible. I'm urging the fans to get behind the British team and give them their 100 per cent support."

Tony Rickardsson will make an emotional return to British speedway to lead a power-packed Sweden side which includes brothers Peter Karlsson and Mikael Max, Andreas Jonsson and Antonio Lindback.

The Swedes upset the apple-cart last year by snatching the glory away from the hat-trick seeking Australian team at Vojens in Denmark.

Between them, Australia and Sweden have won all five World Cup events since the present format was adopted in 1999, and few people, despite Cook's optimism, would probably bet against them carving up this year's tournament.

The Poland challenge will be spearheaded by Tomasz Gollob, while on the second night Eastbourne's Nicki Pedersen and Adam Shields will be in action.

Pedersen, the reigning individual world champion, leads Denmark's bid, while Shields lines up in an Australian team which includes Jason Crump, Leigh Adams and Ryan Sullivan.