LUKE LITTLER cannot wait to wear the England jersey with pride this summer as he seeks to add the World Cup of Darts to his trophy cabinet.
And he has warned Luke Humphries, his team-mate in national colours, he is eyeing up his spot at the top of the world rankings.
Luke Littler is looking ahead to the World Cup of Darts
Littler has fired a warning to his potential England team-mate
By winning a maiden world darts title, Littler, 17, has risen to second place on the PDC Order of Merit with a total of £1,118,500 in prize money.
This figure does not include extra cash from when he became Premier League champion (£315,000) or won via World Series events (£150,000).
Last year, Littler had only just turned pro and was not high enough up the world list to qualify for the 40-nation World Cup – much to the surprise of casual viewers.
But this time he has been selected for England and can form an all-Luke Dream Team in Frankfurt when battle commences between June 12-15.
Englishmen Humphries, 29, and Michael Smith, 34, became World Cup champions last summer while the pairing of Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis have lifted the title on four occasions.
Littler is a proud England supporter and wore the Three Lions shirt when ex-boss Gareth Southgate’s side made the Euros 2024 final where they lost to Spain in Berlin.
He said: “Last year people didn’t know it was based off your ranking and everyone was asking: ‘Why is Luke Littler not in the World Cup?’
“I was like: ‘Because I’ve only just started my career.’
“But now, obviously the major ranking money goes on to the rankings and I think I’m pretty much in with Luke. I cannot wait.”
Follow all the action from the World Darts Championship as it happens with SunSport’s LIVE blog
GettyLittler and Humphries will be team-mates and huge rivals this year[/caption]
Humphries will still be smarting from his surprise 4-1 fourth-round exit to Peter Wright at Ally Pally, which saw him surrender his grip on the Sid Waddell Trophy.
In 2025, Cool Hand Luke will be defending a lot of money from titles won and deep tournament runs from two years ago and Littler – in his second season as a pro – is waiting to pounce.
World Darts Championship – top stories
READ MORE on all the fall-out from Luke Littler’s incredible world title win…
All the reaction as it happens in our LIVE BLOG
Littler blows away Van Gerwen to win world title aged 17
Littler is more than a darts player – he’s a multi-million pound commodity
Incredible rise in darts viewing figures revealed
Littler miles off being world No 1 despite £500k win
Littler breaks incredible record with stunning win
Fans praise Sky Sports for ‘lovely’ Donna Mardle touch
Fans in tears as Chris Hoy presents Ballon d’Art trophy
Van Gerwen makes another X-rated comment on live TV
Littler reveals unusual preparation for final
Inside wild celebrations at Littler’s darts academy
How Littler celebrated incredible win – as tributes pour in
Littler copies iconic Lionel Messi trophy picture
The Warrington lad said: “Obviously, the World No1 could be on the cards this year.
“If Luke Humphries doesn’t defend all of his prize money.
“But if he goes on to win everything this year and defends his prize money, then fair enough to Luke.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
