Liverpool forward, Rio Ngumoha, is set to leave the England camp this week after making a significant impression on Thomas Tuchel and his international teammates. Despite not being part of England's 26-man squad, the 17-year-old has managed to turn heads with his debut performance.
Ngumoha was named man-of-the-match for his debut performance as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 1-0 World Cup warm-up win over New Zealand. With England playing their final pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday, it remains to be seen if Tuchel will select Ngumoha again.
The England manager will have a full squad to choose from following the arrivals of Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke. However, it is unlikely that these Arsenal players will start against Costa Rica.
Future for Ngumoha
After the friendly match with Costa Rica, the main squad will travel to their World Cup base in Kansas City while Ngumoha goes on holiday before returning to the US next month for Liverpool pre-season tour.
Despite only being meant for training participation at first during pre-tournament camp in Florida, Tuchel was so impressed by Ngumoha that he decided to play him during the first warm-up match - a decision that proved fruitful. This led many fans and pundits alike suggesting that he should have been considered earlier either as part of final 26 or as an injury replacement.
However due to not being included initially in Tuchel’s expanded 55-man pool selection process seems confusing and has raised questions among fans and critics alike.
Did lack of game time cost him?
Ngumoha made history as Liverpool's youngest scorer when he scored at just age 16. However, he only made 10 senior starts last season, leading to some dissatisfaction over his level of game time under former Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Slot and Liverpool have defended this decision, arguing that they were protecting Ngumoha from the physical and psychological rigours of senior football. This was, after all, his first full season playing in the Premier League and Champions League.
With the departure of Reds legend Mohamed Salah and arrival of Slot's replacement Andoni Iraola, Ngumoha may find more opportunities for game time next season. Iraola has shown a willingness to rely on young players which could work in Ngumoha’s favor.
Liverpool is determined to ensure that he will make an impression on his new club boss in July similar to what he did with Tuchel during England camp. Long viewed as one of English football's brightest prospects, Ngumoha will be confident about linking up with Tuchel again when England begin their Uefa Nations League campaign in September.
