Former World Cup of Darts Champions Gary Anderson and Peter Wright have had their say on heavy favourites England.
The duo of Michael Smith and Luke Humphries were heavily fancied to lift the trophy tonight before a dart was thrown.
Their chances have been boosted by the exit of the Netherlands and defending champions Wales, but Scotland are unphased.
The pair lifted the trophy together in 2019 and are confident of replicating the feat despite the rhetoric surrounding England.
Anderson jokes that England always fail to live up to their billing
Not only are Humphries and Smith earmarked as the tournament favourites, but Gareth Southgate’s England team are also fancied to win Euro 2024 in Germany.
Both the nation’s darts and football teams have had underwhelming performances in their respective tournaments thus far.
‘The Flying Scotsman’ said in jest that it is always the same story for England.
Speaking to Darts Now, he said: “It’s the same about the football isn’t it, it’s always about England and that and it never comes good so why worry about it.”
Wright added: “They always go home don’t they?”
The 53-year-old was quick to add, however, that it was just ‘banter’ and revealed he isn’t concerned by Scotland’s underdog tag.
England must improve to fulfil expectations
The same can be said for both darts and football – the team’s current levels are not good enough.
Smith and Humphries can be forgiven for a lacklustre performance in their opener.
It was the World Champion’s debut in the World Cup and the first time he and the ‘Bully Boy’ had played pairs together.
A doubles tournament is a far different dynamic to singles and the two multiple major winners are rhythmic players.
With the first match together under their belt, expect an improved display against a tough Northern Ireland side.
Though with the impressive showings from Belgium and Scotland, some may rethink their predictions for tonight’s final.