Ngumoha called up by England but eligible for France, Nigeria and Guadeloupe

Rio Ngumoha has been called into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for pre-World Cup friendlies against New Zealand in Tampa and Costa Rica in Orlando, yet the 17-year-old Liverpool winger is not bound to the Three Lions even if he takes to the pitch.

A FIFA regulation introduced in 2021 allows players who earn up to three senior caps before turning 21 — all in non-competitive matches — to switch international allegiance. That means Ngumoha, born in London, could still opt to represent France, Nigeria or Guadeloupe after featuring for England. His mother is from Guadeloupe, an overseas department of France, granting him eligibility for the two-time World Cup winners, while his father’s Nigerian heritage opens a third alternative.

Ngumoha joins Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Fulham’s Josh King in the pre-tournament camp. Tuchel confirmed all four are expected to feature as he manages the workloads of his 26-man World Cup squad across the two friendlies.

The precedent for switching is well established. England midfielder Declan Rice earned three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland — all in friendlies — before committing to England in 2019 under the same rule.

Ngumoha has had a breakthrough season at Liverpool, making 18 appearances and scoring twice. Despite having represented England at youth level, his senior international future remains open given the flexibility the 2021 regulation provides.

Tuchel spoke warmly about the group of young players joining the camp. “We will take some young players out who will train with us in the size of the squad that we need, and we have the two friendly matches to take care of the minutes and the load on the players,” he said.

The England manager also highlighted the attitude of Alex Scott, who narrowly missed the initial 26-man cut from a longlist of 55. “The reaction of him was outstanding and the commitment and wish to be in pre-camp and a step closer to the team was not even a question for him,” Tuchel said. “That showed me his character and I’m delighted he’ll be with us because that was a close call and he gets a chance to get a step closer and a cap.”