England last topped the list in 2014 and England team chief said he saw Australia as the main rival.
“It’s going to be a pretty good arm wrestle with Australia,” he said.
“Everyone wants to come to the host country and make the best of it against them. But we have 430 athletes who absolutely want to be at the top of the medal table. medal list.
“We have a nation that wants us to do the same, so we’re going to give it our all.”
Adam Peaty and Laura Kenny make sure there will be no shortage of star power in the England team, even in the absence of Asher-Smith. Jack Laugher, the three-time Olympic medalist diver, will share the flag-carrying duties tonight with weightlifter Emily Campbell, who took silver in Tokyo last year.
Athletes representing all 72 Commonwealth Games federations are expected to march at the opening ceremony at Alexander Stadium.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the event last night as “Birmingham’s time to shine” following a £778 million public investment in the Games. With a total of £594 million provided by the central government, Birmingham 2022 will be the largest investment in sport since London 2012.
The Prince of Wales – accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall – will represent the Queen and officially open the Games.
“Not only will we celebrate sporting success, we will strengthen the critical ties between our 72 countries and territories – bringing together businesses and governments from around the world to boost trade and drive economic growth that will leave a lasting legacy for years to come. will leave behind. said Johnson.
Culture Minister Nadine Dorries added: “We have had an incredible 11 days of sport and I know that fans from all home countries will stand behind our athletes. In addition to the medals won and broken records, these Games will provide a fantastic legacy – sporting, cultural and economic – for the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands.”