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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jonathan Veal

Luke Littler hosts darts tournament for England squad ahead of pre-World Cup friendlies

Littler met the England squad on Tuesday - (The FA via Getty Images)

Darts sensation Luke Littler brought his precision to St George’s Park this week, hosting a tournament for the England football squad as they gear up for crucial pre-World Cup friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

The double world champion offered a masterclass in hitting the target to Thomas Tuchel’s men.

Littler joined Tuchel’s group for dinner before overseeing the 'Three Lions Darts Championship' at their Burton base on Tuesday night.

Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale emerged as the camp champion, impressing Littler, despite Phil Foden hitting a 180 in the final.

The 19-year-old, travelling to Berlin this week for Premier League action, expressed his excitement.

He said: "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. We played a bit of darts – as they were warming up, Thomas Tuchel told me to teach these boys a lesson!

Littler got his own personal England shirt (The FA via Getty Images)

“There’s some good potential there in Phil Foden and Aaron Ramsdale. James Trafford had a little bit as well. The others not so much! I wished the boys luck this summer – let’s hope they can bring it home."

Littler received a signed England shirt, with Jude Bellingham also giving him a personalised jersey bearing the message "Keep smashing it" on the back.

England’s players will now look to impress Tuchel in their upcoming friendlies as they bid to move a step closer to securing their spot in his World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, Littler’s attention will turn to the Premier League Darts as he looks to overhaul Jonny Clayton at the top of the table.

Littler moved to within three points of the Welshman in the standings by pulling off a dramatic victory over Gerwyn Price in last week’s final in Dublin.

Littler found himself 5-0 down before rattling off six straight legs to stun Price.

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