Luke Humphries backs Luke Littler to silence German boos at 2025 World Cup of Darts: 'If they're on his back, I'll be there'

Despite Littler’s previous run-ins with German crowds, Humphries revealed he’s planning to let his teammate lead off when England open their campaign in Saturday’s second round.

"I will probably put him first," Humphries revealed. "He is definitely the best scorer in the world. That's not a lie, it's obvious. So, you're going to put your strengths forward. You put him first, he is probably better at going for the bullseye than I am, getting the throws."

However, the 29-year-old added the decision will ultimately come down to how Littler feels in the moment. "Only if he's comfortable with it. If not, I'll go first but I played the anchor role last year," the world number one adds. "I felt really good going second, so maybe that is my role for this year as well."

Humphries and Smith’s victory in Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle last summer marked England’s first World Cup triumph since 2016. Reflecting on his debut success, Humphries believes Littler is poised for a similarly memorable experience.

"As you saw when we won, the emotion that comes out of you, you don't expect it but it does because you're just so buzzing," Humphries recalls. "It's really special and he (Littler ed.) will understand."

Humphries admits there may be nerves early on, particularly given the spotlight on Team England this year. "He may even feel a little bit nervous at the start, or for the first game we play because all eyes are on us, everyone will be expecting us to be powerful every game we play," Humphries concludes. "But I did say to him, it doesn't matter how we play as long as we win the trophy, that's what really matters. It will be a special feeling for him, as it was for me."