Rio Ngumoha could be about to receive another huge boost to his incredible rise.
According to Lewis Steele, the Liverpool youngster could be named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.
And if that happens, I think it would be another fantastic achievement for the 17-year-old.
Ngumoha has already made his senior England debut, becoming the fifth-youngest player ever to represent the Three Lions when he came on against New Zealand during England’s World Cup preparations.
Now he could be back involved with the senior squad.
What a rise this has been
It really is remarkable when you stop and think about it.
Ngumoha is still only 17.
Yet he’s already broken into the Liverpool first-team picture, played at Anfield in competitive football and earned a senior England appearance.
And rather than looking completely overawed by it all, he’s continuing to push himself into the conversation.
That’s exactly what you want to see from a young player.
Liverpool supporters have been getting increasingly excited about Ngumoha, and every opportunity he gets at this level is another chance for him to learn and develop.
Iraola is giving him opportunities
One of the most important things for Ngumoha right now is playing football.
And Andoni Iraola has shown that he is willing to trust young players.
We saw that again against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, with Ngumoha included in the starting XI as Liverpool made 10 changes.
That’s a huge positive.
It means Ngumoha isn’t simply being talked about as a prospect.
He’s actually getting opportunities to show what he can do.
England recognition can only help
There is obviously a long way to go in Ngumoha’s career.
Nobody should be putting ridiculous expectations on a 17-year-old.
But being around senior England players, training at that level and learning from experienced internationals can only be valuable for his development.
And with the next Nations League campaign beginning against Spain at Wembley on September 26, this would be another fantastic experience for him.
The England squad is officially due to be announced on Friday, September 18 at 10am.
I’d love to see Rio’s name in there.
He’s already shown that he’s not afraid of the big stage.
Now he’s got another chance to prove that he belongs on it.
Liverpool have got a very exciting young player on their hands — and England clearly see something special in him too.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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