The Americans defeated hosts Canada 19-5 in the 2013 final in Oshawa, defending the title they won in 2013 after a 8-7 win over Australia in Czech capital Prague.

In all, the US have won the world title seven times out of the nine editions played.

They have only been unsuccessful in the two tournaments they hosted on home soil in 1986 and 2005.

Australia won on both occasions in Philadelphia and Annapolis respectively.

Twenty-five countries will be action this year, with matches played at the Surrey Sports Park in the English town.

Teams will first contest a group stage, with all six sides in the "elite" Group A guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals in a bid to ensure the greatest amount of competitive matches.

This will be contested by the US, Canada, Australia, hosts England, Wales and Scotland.

The winners of the other four groups will all progress to play-offs for the right to earn the final two last eight places.

Group B features South Korea, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland and a team representing the Haudenosaunee Native American confederacy. 

Israel, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, China and Belgium will play in Group C with Japan, Germany, Latvia, Spain and Mexico contesting Group D.

Ireland, New Zealand and Sweden and Colombia will play in Group E, a four-team group.

The tournament begins tomorrow with the Opening Ceremony, which will be followed by England v Wales. 

The final will be held on July 22.