London, May 15 :  If Darren Gough is right, laughter levels could decide who wins the first Test between England and Pakistan.

Fast bowler Gough said morale was as high in the England camp, under coach Duncan Fletcher and captain Nasser Hussain, as he had known it.

"The England dressing room is as close to a county dressing room as you can get," he said. "It's fun and great to have a laugh.

"We are a confident side and the dressing room is also a good place for new players to come into."

Pakistan, meanwhile, go into the first Test at Lord's starting on Thursday with a history of feuds between leading players, including captain Waqar Younis and former skipper Wasim Akram, as well as regular changes of leadership.

The team only appointed coach Richard Pybus just before they set off for England two weeks ago, while Waqar was appointed captain after Moin Khan was left out of the touring squad towards the end of April.

Gough, however, said England had been a united squad under Fletcher since his appointment towards the end of 1999.

Gough said: "His communication has been first-class, he has an excellent relationship with Nasser, he has not been pushy and he has talked to us as individuals.

"It's been a happy year.

"We have had more continuity and consistency of selection and that has really helped us."

England, who introduced national team player contracts last year to try and help improve the side's performances, have won their last four Test series, including one in Pakistan, while their opponents have won one and lost four of their last six.

Gough, one of four Yorkshire players in the 13-man England squad, added: "Pakistan are a great side. They have got four quality bowlers.

"But we are full of confidence after winning four series in a row. We can't wait to get started."