Welsh darts veteran Gerwyn Price launched a scathing critique of England’s Luke Littler and Luke Humphries following their shock 8-4 second-round defeat to Germany at the 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt on June 14, accusing the world’s top two players of failing to show a “team ethic.” Price, who reached the final with Jonny Clayton for Wales before losing 10-9 to Northern Ireland, pointed to the English duo’s lack of camaraderie as a key factor in their “rubbish” performance, igniting a fiery debate in the darts community.
Price’s Explosive Comments
After the tournament, Price told Sky Sports, “The only two players that didn’t turn up together, didn’t sit together, didn’t play as a team… they didn’t win their first game. You need to turn up together, practice together, sit together. It’s a team ethic and it didn’t show with England,” per Sky Sports. He branded their display “rubbish,” adding, “I wanted them to do well, but they were rubbish,” per The Mirror. Price’s remarks, amplified by X posts like @Oche180’s, “Gerwyn Price gives his opinion on England’s early exit,” stirred significant buzz, with fans and pundits dissecting his claims. His teammate Clayton playfully ribbed him for naming England despite initially avoiding it, prompting laughter but reinforcing Price’s point: “You need that team ethic,” per The Mirror.
England’s Disastrous Performance
England, pre-tournament favorites at 2/5 odds, were dismantled by Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko, who leveraged a hostile 3,500-strong crowd and a 62% checkout rate compared to England’s 36% (4/11 doubles), per Express. Littler, in his World Cup debut at 18, missed three early doubles, allowing Pietreczko’s 106 checkout to spark a 5-2 German lead, while Humphries’ botched 122 attempt (hitting 25 instead of bullseye) sealed their fate, per The Standard. Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle noted, “Luke and Luke buckled under pressure,” a view Price echoed by highlighting their lack of unity, per BBC.
Lack of Preparation Exposed
Price’s critique zeroed in on England’s preparation, particularly Humphries’ pre-tournament decision to skip joint practice with Littler, stating, “We’re both good enough individually,” per Express. This choice backfired, as their doubles synergy faltered, with Littler’s inexperience in team events and debut nerves evident, per The Guardian. Price, a two-time World Cup winner with Clayton (2020, 2023), contrasted this with Wales’ approach, saying, “We got to the final… it shows that as a team and as good friends, we can reach finals,” per Daily Record. Australia’s Damon Heta also suggested England’s over-reliance on individual talent, noting, “They probably relied on each other, thinking ‘he’ll do the business,’” per BBC.
Defending Their Relationship
Despite Price’s claims, Humphries has previously dismissed suggestions of a frosty relationship with Littler. In December 2024, he told media, “I love him to be honest, I think Luke is fantastic… We’re fanatic friends,” countering media narratives, per SPORTbible. However, Price’s observation that they “didn’t turn up together, didn’t sit together” on the first day fueled speculation about their off-stage dynamic, per The Irish Sun. Littler’s quick stage exit post-loss, contrasted with Humphries’ sportsmanlike congratulations to Germany, drew some fan criticism on X, like @MJ_JJ061215, per.
Germany’s Sportsmanship and Triumph
Germany’s Schindler and Pietreczko, who advanced to the quarter-finals against Australia, showed class by condemning the crowd’s booing of England. Schindler told Sky Sports, “Booing two great players like Luke and Luke isn’t right,” while Pietreczko added, “We want to win fair,” per SPORTbible. Their 101 and 106 checkouts showcased their skill, proving Schindler’s pre-match claim that England was “beatable,” per The Guardian.
Fallout and Future
Price’s blunt assessment, while controversial, underscores the unique demands of doubles events, where camaraderie can be as vital as skill. England’s earliest World Cup exit since 2010 raises questions about Littler and Humphries’ partnership, especially with Littler’s struggles in Germany’s hostile crowds, per Daily Mail. As they prepare for the World Matchplay (July 19–27, 2025), where Humphries defends his title, addressing Price’s critique could be crucial, per PDC. X posts, like @talkSPORT’s, “Price makes brutal assessment,” reflect the ongoing buzz, ensuring this saga will linger.
