Liverpool wonderkid told he has a chance at England’s World Cup squad | OneFootball

Rio Ngumoha’s Liverpool Breakthrough Sparks England Talk

At just 17 years old, Rio Ngumoha has become one of the brightest sparks in Liverpool’s new season, a teenager whose rise has been as sudden as it has been impressive. His first Premier League goal marked more than just a milestone — it signalled a player stepping into the conversation about England’s next wave of talent.

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Arne Slot’s decision to include Ngumoha in Liverpool’s Champions League squad ahead of Federico Chiesa raised eyebrows. It was a bold move that underlined the manager’s trust in the academy graduate. With Alexander Isak now part of Liverpool’s forward line, the Reds boast five established attackers. Yet Ngumoha’s growing role makes it feel more like six.

Rapid Rise for Liverpool’s Young Star

The winger’s qualities are clear: pace that unsettles defenders, a sharp passing vision, and the instinct to find the net. Slot has not been afraid to rely on him in big moments, and while Ngumoha may still be learning, the signs are that Liverpool trust him to accelerate his development.

What makes his story compelling is how quickly he has become a fixture in conversations about the future. At 17, most players are still finding their rhythm in youth football. Ngumoha, instead, is testing himself against Arsenal at Anfield and Newcastle at St James’ Park.

England World Cup Speculation

Former striker Troy Deeney captured the mood when he told talkSPORT that Thomas Tuchel might be tempted to include Ngumoha in his England squad.

“This is England. We always do something stupid, don’t we,” Deeney said.“It’s like when we took Theo Walcott [to the 2006 World Cup at 17], because he was a young kid and he was rapid. And obviously Theo went on to have a great career.

“But who knows. If Rio keeps playing and being involved like he is now, and scores seven or eight goals, he could probably go.”

The parallels with Walcott are hard to ignore: a raw, electrifying teenager on the cusp of something extraordinary.

Balancing Liverpool Growth with England Hopes

For all the excitement, there remains a cautionary note. Ngumoha’s talent is undeniable, but experience matters. Liverpool’s seasoned forwards know how to manage games, while a teenager is still prone to the volatility of youth.

If he does make England’s World Cup squad, it will be both a testament to Liverpool’s academy and a gamble on potential over experience. For now, the best path might be steady growth rather than a leap into the global spotlight.