Luke Humphries ‘wasn’t worried’ Luke Littler would snub England’s World Cup of Darts dream team

Luke Littler will star alongside Luke Humphries at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt next month, when Humphries will be aiming to defend the crown he won with Michael Smith last year

Luke Humphries never had any doubts that Luke Littler would form a dream ticket with him to defend England’s crown at the World Cup of Darts next month.

And as he relished the Lukes of Hazard double act flying the flag in Frankfurt, the world No.1 revealed: “I would never turn down playing for my country – no matter how tired I was how ill I was, whether I’m dying or not.”

Littler’s participation in the tournament was plunged into doubt when he was given a rough ride by Munich crowds at the German Darts Grand Prix last month, and he expressed relief at not having to return to the Fatherland until October. But Luke the Nuke cleared the air last week by insisting he would defend the title won by Humphries and Michael Smith in 2024.

And Humphries insists he was never concerned that 18-year-old world champion Littler would duck it. He said: “No, I wasn’t worried – and look at the team-mates I can fall back on!

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“I’ve got an array of partners that I can get if needed. I saw Luke’s (social media) post and I knew straight away that he didn’t mean what he said. He probably forgot about the World Cup being in Germany. When I asked him about it he said, ‘No, I’m definitely playing.’

“Of course he is. No-one’s going to turn down playing for England. You can never turn down playing for your country. I would never turn it down in a million years, no matter how tired I was, how ill I was. I’m putting on the England jersey, whether I’m dying or not. I think Luke’s the same.”

Humphries and ‘Bully Boy’ Smith pulled off a record fifth England World Cup triumph in 14 years – on the previous four occasions, Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis had lifted the trophy.

As the last two world champions at Alexandra Palace, the Lukes of Hazard will be the pair to beat in Frankfurt on June 12-15, and Humphries is under no illusions about the target on their backs. Cool Hand Luke said: “We’re fully aware that we’re going to be massive favourites and everyone’s going to expect us to win.

“But I feel like we have to take away that pressure and just go out and enjoy it. Luke’s obviously experienced a lot of pressure in his career already, but there is a lot more pressure when you’re playing for your country.

“It’s not as easy when you’re playing by yourself, but Luke’s got good doubles experience from when he used to play in tournaments before he joined the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation).

“I was pretty new to the format when I played with Michael last year, but it didn’t affect me. We’re going to form a great team and if we gel, and play our best, it’s going to take a tough performance to beat us.”