Just days after it was confirmed that world champion Luke Littler and world No 2 Luke Humphries would spearhead Team England at the 2026 World Cup of Darts, an unlikely voice has emerged from the oche’s sidelines: former England footballer turned serial punter Jamie Carragher.
The Sky Sports pundit, known for his passionate defensive displays on the pitch and equally passionate betting slips off it, has launched a surprise critique of the selection, arguing that the 19-year-old Littler should not be allowed to represent his country at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt from June 11-14.
“I’ve got nothing against the lad personally — he’s a phenomenal talent,” Carragher said on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast. “But how can you have a 19-year-old, who’s barely had two full seasons on tour, walking into a World Cup shirt ahead of more experienced English pros? It’s not a pop at Luke Littler — it’s a pop at the principle. Representing your country should be about loyalty and seniority, not just who’s hottest on the oche this month.”
Carragher, who famously put a £10,000 bet on Littler to win the 2025 World Championship at 66/1 — cashing out early for a reported £30,000 — insisted his criticism was not sour grapes. “I’ve backed him, I’ve cheered him. But England isn’t a PDC invitational. You earn the right to wear the Three Lions.”
The reaction from the darting world was swift. Wayne Mardle, speaking on Sky Sports News, laughed off Carragher’s comments. “Jamie’s entitled to his opinion, but this isn’t football. The World Cup of Darts is about picking your two best players. Right now, that’s Humphries and Littler, full stop.”
England will be among the favourites in Frankfurt, with Humphries (world No 2) and the 17-year-old world champion Littler looking to improve on last year’s quarter-final exit. The pair will play together in the pairs-based format, which sees nations compete in group stages followed by a knockout.
Meanwhile, the tournament has seen notable absences and replacements. Former world champion Gerwyn Price will be missing for Wales, with no official reason given by the PDC, while Scotland’s Peter Wright has been replaced by Cameron Menzies. The colourful Wright, a two-time world champion, is said to be struggling with a persistent back complaint.
Menzies, 33, will partner Gary Anderson for Scotland. “It’s a huge opportunity,” Menzies said. “Peter’s a legend, but I’ll give it everything.”
Carragher, however, remained unconvinced about England’s approach. “You put two Lukes together — one’s a generational talent, the other’s world No 2 — but are they a team? I’d have taken someone like Michael Smith, a senior pro who’s been in the trenches. But what do I know? I just punt on the games.”
When reminded that he once lost £5,000 backing England to win the 2018 football World Cup, Carragher laughed. “Alright, fair point. But I’ll be watching in June — and I’ll probably have a tenner on Littler to hit a nine-darter in the final. That doesn’t mean I agree with it.”
The World Cup of Darts runs from June 11-14, live exclusively on Sky Sports. Defending champions Wales — even without Price — will aim to retain the title, while England seek their first trophy since 2022.
