LUKE LITTLER joked that if Lionel Messi wins the Ballon d’Or that it’s “rigged” and he’d want to be England manager.
The survived an early scare to beat German Niko Springer 10-6 in his defence opener on Saturday night.
Luke Littler has backed himself as the next Englands Credit: Alamy
Third-placed England lost to Argentina but beat France to claim their best finish since 1966 Credit: PA
Littler, 19, turned on the afterburners in an astonishing burst of form after the match was all level at 5-5.
But then he joined the chorus of pundits hitting out at boss for sitting back after took a 1-0 lead over in the World Cup semi-final.
After his win at the Winter Gardens, he randomly told Polly James in the post-match interview: “I’ll be the next England manager.”
He then went on to add in the press conference: “The main thing is not sit back when we’re 1-0 up.
“From the first second up until Gordon’s goal Messi done nothing and as soon as we sat back, Messi got the space he wanted.”
It also asked if there should be a Ballon d’Or in and that Messi is the favourite to win the footie crown again, he smiled: “If Messi wins the it’s all rigged!”
Littler averaged over 123 in the final six legs in a devastating burst against Springer.
He now faces old pal Nathan Aspinall in the next round on Tuesday.
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He added: “It felt good. It felt very nice. The first five legs were okay and then when I came back on after the break I felt very good.
“It was a bit annoying not going into the lead after the second break but Niko played his part.
“That 114 to make it 5-5 was a big shot. I found another gear and finished it off.
“I couldn’t tell myself to play any better because I was playing some really good stuff.
“I think in the last leg there I had another look at the board and from leg 11 onwards I was on a 120 average.
“So it goes to show well I am to come on stage after a break. A win is a win.
“If I can get better I will be happier. I just need to sharpen up the doubles.
“I want to win every major this year but I keep looking at the ProTour there is not many left to go.
“Whoever is sat in 64th they just keep going up and up so. If I win this one I will get Minehead.
“Whatever happens here happens. I look forward to Tuesday.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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