CROSS NOT SURPRISED BY ENGLAND MELTDOWN AT WORLD CUP
18/06/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Phil Lanning
ROB CROSS isn’t surprised that England pals Luke Humphries and Luke Littler had a “meltdown” in the World Cup.
The World No.1 and No.2 took a shock battering by Germany and crashed out of the tournament despite being red-hot favourites.
But former England star ‘Voltage’ reckons they will come back fighting after the defeat.
He said: “I’ve read a lot of stuff saying that obviously the pressure got to them and other stuff.
“But these boys are the two best players in the world. There are some things in life where things just don’t happen (as you planned) and they were playing against home favourites and it can be tough sometimes.
“They will bounce back, and they’ll be back to normal. I can’t get my head around why it didn’t work but as I say, we see these things happen in life.
“I’m not so surprised if they did have a bit of a meltdown or got hung up out there.
“They’re both amazing and will bounce back, whether they bottled it or not, I wouldn’t say so.
“They will know what they need to work on together if they both play with each other again next time.”
Cross is also delighted that both Lukes were given MBEs in the King’s honours list.
He added: “It’s great for the game, nice to be looked at and for the game to receive the recognition.
“Darts for me over the years, it’s changed. People always tell me about back in the day when they used to play and drink pints and smoke, and this game has really developed during the time I have been playing in it.
“To get the recognition, it’s great for everyone in the sport and the eyes are on the game now.
“It’s in the best place it’s ever been in my opinion, and it will only get stronger.
“I’ve only been here for eight years, and it seems to be going from strength to strength.
“Fair play to both of them, they deserve the MBE as they work hard, and Luke Littler has burst on the scene and the other Luke has progressed.
“It didn’t happen for him at the start and then look at him now over the last three years, he’s up there and competing for every tournament. I’m glad to see both of them getting MBEs because they both deserved it.”
