Former World Cup of Darts Champion Simon Whitlock has made a bold statement about the England team.
Luke Humphries and Michael Smith fly the flag for England this year as the World Champion makes his debut.
Both players have had incredible individual success, scooping six majors between them as well as each reaching the summit in the rankings.
On paper, the team are heavy favourites heading into the tournament and Luke Littler has backed the duo to bring the trophy home.
Whitlock, however, does not believe the English pair will be able to work well together on stage.
Whitlock unconvinced by England in World Cup of Darts
‘The Wizard’ secured Australia a vital win last night, taking out a crucial 87 finish after Japan missed four match darts.
The ‘Aussies’ know what it takes to win this tournament, achieving World Cup glory in 2022 by defeating Wales in the final.
Heta and Whitlock have an outstanding partnership on stage and the 55-year-old told Darts Now that he believes a lack of chemistry will hurt England’s chances.
He said: “I don’t actually think so [England are our main rivals], no. I mean they’re both amazing players, but I don’t think they’ll work together in my eyes.
“I don’t think it’ll work for them to be fair. I mean it might be nasty saying that about them but they’re more singles players whereas we play a lot of pairs in Australia.”
Whitlock may have a point but England still favourites
It’s a bold statement from Whitlock but a fair one.
England has always fielded a team with superb individual quality but has failed to lift the trophy since 2016.
Smith and Humphries are both quick, rhythmic players who prefer a fast-paced game.
This isn’t possible in the World Cup as each player must wait for three others to throw before toeing the oche again.
Despite this, England are justifiably favourites.
The World Number One and Three are far stronger than any of their rivals on paper, and Gerwyn Price’s withdrawal from the Welsh team has boosted their chances.
Whilst Australia have great pedigree in this tournament, they must improve themselves if they are to become two-time World Cup Champions.