Luke Littler made a surprise appearance at England’s training base on Tuesday evening, encouraging the Three Lions to follow his path to world championship glory.
The 19-year-old darts sensation, who claimed his second PDC World Darts Championship title just two months ago, dropped in on Thomas Tuchel’s squad at St George’s Park for a team-bonding session.
With the summer World Cup now just eleven weeks away, Littler hosted the inaugural ‘Three Lions Darts Championship’ during what was the final training camp before the tournament.
His visit coincided with the first day players gathered ahead of upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley.
Luke Littler swapped shirts with Phil Foden, who both hail from the Manchester area
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Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale emerged victorious in the players’ competition, defeating Manchester City’s Phil Foden in the final to claim the title of camp champion.
Foden, 25, showed he can handle a dart or two, even managing to hit a maximum 180 during the showdown – but it wasn’t enough to stop Ramsdale, 27, from taking the crown.
Littler was clearly impressed by what he saw, though he made quick work of the winner when he stepped up to face Ramsdale himself.
“There’s some good potential there in Phil Foden and Aaron Ramsdale,” the world number one said.
The teenage sensation shared a meal with the squad before the darts action got underway, describing it as a dream come true for a football fan like himself.
England stars battled Luke Littler at darts but stood no chance
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“It was a dream as a football fan to come here to see the facilities, meet all the players and sit down and have dinner and have a laugh with them,” Littler said.
German boss Tuchel had one clear instruction for his guest – don’t hold back.
“As they were warming up, Thomas Tuchel told me to teach these boys a lesson!” Littler revealed.
Beyond the finalists, goalkeeper James Trafford also caught his eye with some decent throwing ability.
“James Trafford had a little bit as well. The others not so much!” he added.
Littler presented the squad with a personalised “Good Luck” dartboard and set of darts to mark the occasion.
England players are in camp ahead of matches against Uruguay and Japan
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In return, he received a signed England shirt with the number 180 printed on the back – a fitting tribute to his trademark maximum.
Jude Bellingham also gifted the darts star a signed jersey featuring the message “Keep smashing it” on the back.
Some players were keen to get their own souvenirs too, with Jordan Pickford among those requesting a signed shirt from the world champion.
Luke Littler received a signed England shirt with the number 180 printed on the back
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Ramsdale was thrilled by the experience, saying: “It was great to have Luke visit St George’s Park to meet the squad and wish us well.
“Personally, it was an honour for me to have the chance to step up to the oche and take on the world champion.”
