Luke Littler is buzzing with anticipation to don the England colours at the World Cup of Darts, despite bracing for backlash in Germany. The bright-eyed 18-year-old prodigy, along with world No. 1 Luke Humphries, are set to become an impressive pairing as England, the defending champions, aim for their sixth title in 15 years.

World champ Luke 'the Nuke' has pledged to convert any residual frustration into triumph, following his hostile reception from crowds at a Munich tournament just a couple of months back. Previously, Littler had hinted at a six-month boycott from Germany after a chilly crowd response during his semi-final fall to Dutch up-and-comer Gian van Veen at the German Darts Grand Prix.

Yet, he rolled with the punches, responding to jeers about his football leanings in Liverpool and Leeds. Now, he avows being geared up for whatever raucous notes await him at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt this week.

Littler recounted: "I wouldn't say it's upset me but I would say I was obviously a bit angry (at the way I played) and I wouldn't say it affected me during the Premier League.

"The biggest one was Germany, but I did what Gerwyn Price always does - go on Instagram, have a bit of a moan and take it down half an hour later.

"Obviously for myself, with so many followers on social media, so many people see it before you delete it. It's never too late to take it down but that is what you do - take it down, refresh and go again."

Humphries has from any negative reactions from the crowd in Frankfurt, expressing surprise at the change in atmosphere from the German fans.

His Nukeship recounted: "The only bad one last year was in Hildesheim against Peter Wright. I think I was 5-2 up and lost 8-5. Obviously as soon as your beating the crowd favourite, that is when they don't start to like you.

"I wouldn't say he's the home favourite because Peter Wright is obviously Scottish, but the German fans love him and in that final, it didn't go my way.

"I've no idea what it will feel like to wear an England shirt. Obviously Luke won it last year with Michael Smith, I'm sure he'll want to go back-to-back and for myself I want to win it on debut just as much as Luke wants to retain it.

"I've not spoken to anyone yet about putting the shirt on for your country, but I am sure it is one of the best feelings you'll ever have. I'm sure me and Luke are ready for it."

As the expanded 40-nation tournament kicks off tomorrow (Thursday), top seeds England are set to enter in the second round.

Last year saw Humphries and Michael Smith clinch the trophy with a 10-6 victory over Austria in the final.

England's additional four World Cup wins were won by Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, who dominated the event four times in five years from 2012-16.