Wade on representing England at World Cup of Darts: "There is a lot of pride and a lot of pressure"

James Wade and Michael Smith will look for the first World Cup of Darts title for England since 2016 this week in Frankfurt and for 'The Machine', it is an honour to represent his country that brings pride.

"I think a small amount of the players perhaps don't realise what they are doing – they are playing for their country and it is a big thing,” said Wade.

"I am really lucky to be able to play for my country. There is a lot of pride and a lot of pressure, because you want to do well.

"I’m looking forward to it. I’m nervous but excited."

"I think they are all winning combinations when you’re talking about world-class players that are at the top of their rankings – it is just if it works at that time,” added the left-hander.

"Some people have a bad day, a bad match, or a bad dart at double, and that is all it takes to lose a game of darts; that one bad double, that one poor score, especially in a tournament like the World Cup. If it is meant to be, it is meant to be."

Previously being part of the first line-up in 2010 as England suffered a shock defeat to Spain as he partnered Phil Taylor. He also returned to the line-up last year with Dave Chisnall but especially with Michael Smith in some of the form of his life, he believes there will be less pressure for him to succeed.

"I played in it once before with Phil [Taylor] and I averaged 100 and we lost. I was the better player of the pair of us, and last time I played in it was with Dave Chisnall.

"I had a 104 average and lost in the singles with Mensur [Suljovic] averaging 110. That one was unfortunate. I think we should have won it last time.

"There was a lot of pressure on me last year, but this time I can relax a little bit more.

"I will be ready for it, and I am sure Michael Smith will be ready for it."