LUKE LITTLER has urged England boss Thomas Tuchel to give Kobbie Mainoo more chances on the world stage.
The Three Lions have made steady progress at the World Cup, beating in their opening game, before being held to a goalless draw by and then seeing off to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Luke Littler is not happy with Thomas Tuchel’s team selection Credit: Alamy
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to play a single minute at the World Cup Credit: Getty
But fan Littler, 19, believes Mainoo has earned the chance to feature after being left on the bench and failing to play a single minute at the tournament so far.
The midfielder starred for during their run to the final, starting each of their last three matches before they were beaten 2-1 by in Berlin.
Littler told The Rest is Football Podcast : “I think even in the Euros a few months ago he proved himself there.
“I don’t get why he is not allowed to prove himself in the World Cup so far but hopefully he does get a chance.”
The world No1 also weighed in on the squad selection when asked which player he felt should have been included and added: “I think [Harry] Maguire had to be in there.”
Littler was in the United States to watch England secure a last-32 showdown with , just 24 hours on from his runner-up finish at the US Darts Masters, where he suffered an agonising 8-7 defeat to in the final.
The Nuke braved the wet conditions and described himself as “solid” after refusing to wear a poncho during the rain-soaked 90 minutes.
He added: “It was unbelievable. It was my third time in Madison Square Garden. I have not won here yet but great final with Luke again.
Tuchel is preparing England for a last-32 clash with DR Congo Credit: PA
“Both days were sold out but I think it was 90 percent English fans so I can’t complain.”
Littler knows a thing or two about international success himself after helping England lift the World Cup of Darts alongside Humphries earlier this month.
The Warrington whizkid admitted the unique doubles format presents a very different challenge to the regular PDC circuit.
He continued: “I think last year was difficult. Obviously, me and Luke planned to win it. But obviously we went to and lost to the Germans which wasn’t the best.
“This year we turned it around and picked up the trophy. It is hard to get into a rhythm because you have to wait three throws before you throw again.
“But me and Luke got the job done. In the backroom we talk about favourite doubles.
“Once we get down to a finish what double should we set each other up on. That’s how easy it is.
“Obviously, on stage it is difficult. But we finally got the win.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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