Rio Ngumoha jets off as England World Cup squad place predicted for Liverpool forward

Troy Deeney revealed this week that Rio Ngumoha could “probably” go to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 as part of the England squad - if they do the expected and qualify.

The 17-year-old has started the season in impressive form for Liverpool - enjoying a breakout performance against Newcastle in the Premier League.

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Ngumoha scored the late winner at St. James’ Park - emphasising the hard work he’s put in on his finishing over recent months.

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Currently a member of the England under-19 setup - the left-winger has whizzed through the ranks at both club and international level.

If his progress remains unchecked then there is no reason why he shouldn’t be part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad if they make it to the tournament.

Ngumoha one of the world's brightest talents

He is currently ranked top of all players born in 2008 according to Transfermarkt and there is always room for a wildcard in any international squad for a major tournament.

Why not Rio?

Possessed of unique one-on-one dribbling ability, Ngumoha glides across the turf. He is capable of laying on chances - and as his goal against Newcastle proved he’s got a finish in him too.

Tuchel hasn’t taken many risks with his England squad so far - and may be too conservative to blood a young talent such as Ngumoha.

The German is leaving his post after the World Cup and hasn’t demonstrated a tendency to leave a legacy beyond his tenure as yet.

We’ve seen players like Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford welcomed back into the fold - leaving England looking a little one-paced and frankly old at times under Tuchel.

Ngumoha would be a breath of fresh air in this England squad if given the opportunity.

Rio can follow Owen and Rooney

Granted there’s a long way to go; the former Chelsea youth has barely any playing time in the Premier League under his belt.

But there is a precedent. Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney, Jude Bellingham and Michael Owen all featured for England at major tournaments at a similar age - and they didn’t end up faring too badly in their careers.

In order to achieve a seat on the plane to the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026 however, Ngumoha is going to have to get in the Liverpool team and stay there. Moreover, he is going to have to outperform English rivals in his position.

But just who will Rio be up against this season in Tuchel’s reckoning?

Who is ahead of Ngumoha in England reckoning?

Firstly there’s Rashford.

He flickered at Aston Villa in the closing stages of last season - earning a recall under Tuchel. But at this stage of his career we know what Rashford can do - and how high his ceiling can be.

Destined to be a bit-part player at Barcelona this term, Rashford is currently not pulling up any trees. Ngumoha should certainly have Rashford in his sights.

Noni Madueke is not always a left-winger but enjoyed a good performance there in England’s otherwise unconvincing defeat of Andorra in June.

The Arsenal man is bound to be in the squad having impressed Tuchel but it remains to be seen what position he takes up.

Anthony Gordon is still waiting for his England career to truly catch light; 12 caps and only one goal to his name. In a bit of roundabout logic, Ngumoha is probably a little bit ahead of the former Liverpool youth - at least in his club’s eyes.

Gordon has long been on the radar at Anfield but Richard Hughes declined to move for ANY left-winger last summer in order to keep Ngumoha’s pathway free. If the club truly thought Gordon was better, they may have signed him.

Ngumoha can be England's game-changer

And the wildcard is Jack Grealish.

Defying the “has-been” shouts, the maverick has been enjoying a renaissance at Everton. He’s got four Premier League assists to his name already for the Merseysiders - and surely cannot have been far away from Tuchel’s thoughts for this squad.

If he continues his rich vein of form then he could be back in the fold. Worth mentioning here also are Harvey Barnes and Jamie Gittens - but right now Ngumoha has got as much chance as either of those.

So who knows? Maybe Deeney will be proven correct. If Ngumoha finds rhythm and consistency this season, he could be a Three Lions game-changer next summer.

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