"I just think this year, surely, it’s got to be, hasn’t it?” - Mark Webster adamant that England will claim World Cup title

England are the overwhelming favourites for the World Cup of Darts through the lens of many darts fans. This includes former BDO World Champion Mark Webster who insisted that they were the team to beat in Frankfurt.

The World Cup is set to kick off on the 11th June and last for four exhilarating days with darters relishing the chance to put their countries garments on and represent them proudly on the big stage.

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are among the names as they look to put England's name back on the trophy. The world number one and two were the huge favourites last year to win the title, but left without winning a single game.

In a huge surprise, Germany dumped out the English duo in an eye-catching 8-4 defeat at the hands of Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in front of a home crowd. There was a lot of pressure on the world number one and two who came under immense media coverage after not even coming close to picking up the title.

Webster, who represented Wales back when he was competing, was again of the thought that England should be winning the World Cup. “England, they can’t not win it," Webster said on the Double Tops podcast. He backed up his thoughts by mentioning the other challengers.

"I’m not saying they need a perfect storm, but the Welsh side isn’t as strong. We don’t know how Cameron Menzies will react with Gary Anderson. Ricardo [Pietreckzo] is having issues with his throw.

“I know [England] got beat by Germany last year, but it was a race to eight. So, it’s a long format. I was puzzled by that. I think the atmosphere maybe got to them as well. I mean, walking out, what did they walk out to Vindaloo? That got the German crowd going. It was a brilliant atmosphere. It was incredible. But I just think this year, surely, it’s got to be, hasn’t it?”

Webster believes that their biggest threats to the title will be the Netherlands. They have the world number three and four in their ranks with Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen pairing up for the very first time.

"I like the Dutch team," Webster admitted. “I think since Michael and Raymond [van Barneveld] have split, there’s been so many pairings and they’ve never looked right. There’s been so many variations of the Dutch team. Surely on this occasion, this is the best blend they’ve had. And there’s that hunger.

“Michael hasn’t got a Grand Slam spot yet. So, this is a good way in. Players see this as a good way in because you’re lightening your load as well a bit, because obviously if you’re under pressure, you’ve got someone to help you out.”