WEBSTER BACKS ENGLAND TO RECLAIM WORLD CUP CROWN
03/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MARK WEBSTER insists England “can’t not win” the World Cup of Darts when Luke Littler and Luke Humphries reunite in Frankfurt next week.
‘Cool Hand’ and world No.1 Littler will head to the Eissporthalle as the top seeds for the 40-nation event after suffering a shock second-round exit to the hosts 12 months ago.
The pair slumped to an 8-4 defeat to German duo Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreckzo in front of a raucous partisan crowd.
But former BDO world champion Webster believes the star-studded duo will be better equipped to handle the pressure this time around, with their rivals appearing weaker than in previous years.
He told the Double Tops Podcast: “England, they can’t not win it. I’m not saying they need a perfect storm, but the Welsh side isn’t as strong.
“We don’t know how Cameron Menzies will react with Gary Anderson.
“Ricardo [Pietreckzo] is having issues with his throw.
“I know [England] got beat by Germany last year, but it was a race to eight.
“So, it’s a long format. I was puzzled by that. I think the atmosphere maybe got to them as well.
“I mean, walking out, what did they walk out to Vindaloo? That got the German crowd going. It was a brilliant atmosphere.
“It was incredible. But I just think this year, surely, it’s got to be, hasn’t it?”
England’s biggest threat could come from second seeds Netherlands, who will be represented by Michael van Gerwen and world No.3 Gian van Veen.
Webster recently tipped the Dutch pair to challenge for the title, claiming they possess the ideal combination of quality and motivation.
He said: “I like the Dutch team.
“I think since Michael and Raymond [van Barneveld] have split, there’s been so many pairings and they’ve never looked right.
“There’s been so many variations of the Dutch team.
“Surely on this occasion, this is the best blend they’ve had. And there’s that hunger.
“Michael hasn’t got a Grand Slam spot yet. So, this is a good way in.
“Players see this as a good way in because you’re lightening your load as well a bit, because obviously if you’re under pressure, you’ve got someone to help you out.”
