Humphries faces "expectation"

LUKE HUMPHRIES admits he understands the pressure and “expectation” of representing his country. 

The World Champion and Michael Smith will start their bid to win the World Cup for England for the time in eight years tonight in Frankfurt. 

They face France tonight in the second round and Humphries wants to show how to win on the continent.

Cool Hand Luke, 29, said: “I’ve watched every England game and it’s not been pretty.

“Michael Smith and I will be favourites. But like you've seen in football, you can have all the talent but it doesn't mean you will play like you should.

“I’ve had some time off over the last two weeks. I’ve watched every England game and it’s not been pretty has it to be honest.

“At the end of the day we are through, we topped the group. If it was nine points or five points it doesn’t matter. 

“There’s got to be some changes if we want to go on to go further. 

“There’s so much expectation on England. Maybe they are trying too hard to play well and smash teams. I think I can see people’s frustrations.

“If we both turn up and both click, there’s no doubt we’ll be a massive force to be reckoned with. 

“I know and Michael knows when you’ve got so much pressure and expectation on your shoulders. 

“The pressure won’t get the better of us. But playing for England and representing your country, it’s a different feeling. 

“I’ve not done it yet so I wouldn’t know. It’s going to hurt if you lose more than ever.” 

Words by Phil Lanning.

Images by Taylor Lanning.