Dismissing West Indies captain Brian Lara is likely to be one of the toughest challenges England face as they attempt to clinch their first Test series in the Caribbean since 1968.

"It is quite exciting in some ways," Flintoff told reporters on Tuesday, the day before the squad leaves England.

"He is one the best in the world -- one of the best ever. If you want to improve, you've got to play against people like that."

The 26-year-old Flintoff, who describes former West Indies captain Viv Richards as his favourite player, is also keen to play in front of the Caribbean crowds.

"The atmosphere and the knowledge and the passion is like no other place we play," he said. "It looks like great fun and I'm looking forward to getting going."

The hard-hitting Lancastrian played junior cricket with England fast bowler Simon Jones, who was added to the squad this week after proving his recovery from a long-term injury.

"It's great to see that he's come back from that horrific knee injury. It's good to see him doing well," Flintoff said.

Flintoff came of age as a Test player last year with a series of swashbuckling innings in England's drawn home series against South Africa and their crushing win in Bangladesh.

"I've got a method of playing that I trust and if people enjoy that along the way, that's fantastic," he said.

"There's probably a bit more added pressure. People probably expect more of me at the crease or with the ball in my hands."

Flintoff suffered a groin injury during England's last series in Sri Lanka, the latest in a succession of problems that have dogged his career, but after two months rest he is ready for four Tests and seven one-day internationals in West Indies.

"Touch wood, there are no problems," he said.