Luke Littler urged to represent England at World Cup after MvG snub

The darts world was shocked last week after Michael van Gerwen revealed he wouldn't be representing the Netherlands in the upcoming World Cup, which this year will take place in Frankfurt, Germany.

Speaking to dartsnews.com, MvG revealed he will be on holiday instead of competing, which means Gian van Veen will instead represent the Netherlands alongside Danny Noppert.

Following van Gerwen's surprise snub, former World Matchplay champion Colin Lloyd has urged World Champion Luke Littler not to follow suit.

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Speaking to TalkSport, Lloyd admitted he feared Littler may see MvG's decision as an opportunity to also miss the tournament, which takes place between June 12 and 15.

"I can’t see that Luke (Littler) will not take the opportunity to partner up with Luke (Humphries) for the World Cup of Darts, I can’t see it. Listen, he might do. MVG pulled out of it," said Lloyd.

"It would be a great opportunity for him, pull on an England shirt, partner himself up with the world number one and my god what a formidable pairing that would be.

"That’s not to say if he didn’t want to go, that the back-up player wouldn’t be any slouch but you would love to see the two Lukes battling up there against everybody else in the World Cup of Darts, but only time will tell," he finished.

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As mentioned by Lloyd, Littler is set to team up with world number one Luke Humphries, with the English pair being strong favourites to lift the trophy this year.

There is currently no indication that Littler is looking to drop out, but should he decide to do so, his place would likely go to either Stephen Bunting or Rob Cross, who are currently ranked at number three and four in the world, respectively.

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