Thomas Tuchel lays down the ultimate World Cup challenge to Rio Ngumoha

Last season began with Rio Ngumoha being promoted to the Liverpool first-team squad.

Signed from the Chelsea academy aged only 15 back in 2024 the winger was deemed good enough to contest a first-team place with Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool’s faith was so high in Ngumoha that they were content to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. And Rio did not disappoint - scoring a late winner against Newcastle and inking a first-ever professional deal.

The sensational wideman has been in and around the squad all season long - even if he will be frustrated at the amount of game time afforded to him by Arne Slot.

But Ngumoha has shown plenty of promise in his outings thus far - making game-changing contributions when he’s been summoned from the bench. He’s even made his first Premier League start - impressing in the recent top-flight game against Tottenham.

Tuchel on Rio: Why not?

Such an exciting talent - notwithstanding his tender years - Ngumoha is already established in the England under-19 set-up. But could this incredible breakout year end in even bigger and better things for the 17-year-old?

England head coach Thomas Tuchel this week named his 35-man squad for the March international friendlies. These are England’s final matches before the FIFA World Cup squad is named in May.

Tuchel was asked whether it was too late for either Ngumoha or Arsenal teenage sensation Max Dowman to make a play for the final squad destined for the North American event in summer.

“Why should I rule that out? I mean, Rio has a good season in Liverpool now and is making his way into the team,” Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Max is making his points on the highest level, so why would we rule anything out?

“It’s March and we leave in June, we have to name our squad in late May, so everything is possible.”

Ngumoha needs to dislodge Gakpo

First Ngumoha must set about winning a consistent first-team place under Slot at Liverpool. He needs to dislodge one of the Dutchman’s favourites in Cody Gakpo and then his mind can begin to settle on a World Cup call-up.

With his potential so high there is nothing beyond this outrageous young talent. Don’t be surprised to see him in England’s travelling party come June.

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