Ngumoha calls up to England senior squad and sets sights on Euro 2028 glory at home

Rio Ngumoha has been called into England’s senior squad at 18, with manager Thomas Tuchel promoting the Liverpool winger ahead of the Nations League after he impressed during England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Florida. The teenager made 31 senior club appearances in 2024-25, scored a dramatic winner at Newcastle in August 2025, and earned his first senior England cap in a warm-up fixture against New Zealand.

Ngumoha was quick to set out his ambitions, describing himself as a player who brings a fearless edge in one-on-one situations but also contributes to the collective. “I’d say I’m fearless. I like to take on players, whether it’s one v ones, sometimes two v ones as well,” he said. “But also, I want to help the team out with goals and assists because at the end of the day, it’s not just about me and the team. It’s about winning trophies and winning games.”

The winger acknowledged that Euro 2028, which England will host, represents the ultimate prize on the horizon, but stressed that the current Nations League campaign is where the groundwork must be laid. “I think everyone wants to hopefully win the Euros at home, but it all starts with these Nations League games,” he said. “So this is just good preparation for hopefully greatness to come in the future.”

Ngumoha reflected on a rapid rise that began when he broke into Liverpool’s first team during pre-season last year. “I started with the first team properly in pre-season last season and I never really looked back,” he said. “I just kept on going and going, trying to prove to myself and to everyone what I could do. I think I showed that, so far, it’s been quick, but I think it’s been good.”

On receiving the senior call-up, Ngumoha described the moment he broke the news to his family. “I told my mum, then my brother. My mum was next to my brother, so I just called them, and then they just started screaming down my phone,” he said. “It was an amazing moment, and I just know now, I’ve got to come here and just show what I can do to everyone, and just make sure everyone just understands who I am, and I’m not here just to be like a side party.”

Although Ngumoha was not included in England’s full World Cup squad, his performances at club level and during the Florida training camp made his senior promotion difficult to overlook. Tuchel now has a decision to make over how much game time the teenager receives as England prepare for their Nations League fixtures.