The Socceroos are preparing to contest the World Cup with the second oldest squad in the tournament.

Talk about their age is borne out by a study of the World Cup's 32 finalised squads, although the Australians insist wise heads will count for more than younger legs.

Featuring a group made up predominately of players backing up for successive World Cups, the average age of Pim Verbeek's 23-man squad is lower only than that of five-time champions Brazil.

From the oldest player in the squad Mark Schwarzer (37) to the youngest Nikita Rukavytsya (22), the average age of Australia's squad is 28.4, just behind Brazil (28.6) and equal with England's seasoned squad after they lost 31-year-old captain Rio Ferdinand to injury.

Verbeek's preferred starting line-up has an even older feel, averaging 31.5 years with Luke Wilkshire (28) and Jason Culina (29) the only players under 30.

In contrast, Australia's group opponents Ghana (24.1) have the youngest squad in the tournament and have only one outfield player older than 29.

Fellow group D opponents Germany (24.9) and Serbia (26) are also considerably more youthful, among the eight youngest squads.

But despite concerns age has wearied some of Australia's big guns, squad members of all ages insist the added experience will prove an advantage.

Veteran midfielder Brett Emerton, 31, even believes it could be their biggest weapon.

"The majority is the same team from four years ago and we're like brothers, everyone gets on well together and I think that shows on the pitch as well," Emerton told AAP.

"We work for one another.

"The main difference is the experience the players have gained in the past four years.

"We can get that to work to our advantage."

The senior Socceroos are also hoping their experiences of Germany 2006 will benefit the handful of World Cup debutants in the squad including Rukavytsya, Dario Vidosic, Mile Jedinak and Brett Holman.

"With all the players from the last World Cup who have carried over, there's plenty of experience there," midfielder Holman, 26, said.

"They've been there, done it and they know what it feels like.

"They're the ones who the young boys who haven't experienced a World Cup will lean on, and they've got enough experience to carry people through and to help them."

England goalkeeper David James is the oldest player involved at the World Cup and will be only 60 days away from his 40th birthday when the tournament kicks off.

The youngest will be promising Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen, who only turned 18 in February.

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