Rio Ngumoha on leaving Chelsea for Liverpool at 17 and breaking into England's senior squad

Rio Ngumoha left Chelsea for Liverpool in 2024 at the age of 17, and the gamble is already paying off — the winger has broken into England’s senior squad, trained under Thomas Tuchel in the United States during a pre-tournament camp, and is now in line to start against Croatia at Wembley.

The 18-year-old, who had earlier spells at West Ham and Arsenal before joining Chelsea as an eight-year-old, says the move north was driven by a clear-eyed assessment of his own development.

“I feel like I needed a new challenge,” Ngumoha said. “I feel like if I stayed at Chelsea… not saying that I wouldn’t have got to the first team as quick, because I believe in my ability, but I feel like Liverpool just gave me a new pathway. The plan that they set for me was straightforward really.”

Ngumoha has quickly become a favourite with Liverpool supporters, whom he describes as “the best in the world”, but the journey to this point has been shaped as much by family as by football.

Growing up in Manor Park, Newham — an area he acknowledges as “tough” — Ngumoha credits his brother James and mother Liz with keeping him focused. James, who spotted his talent when Rio was five, now serves as his agent and mentor. Liz gave up her job at a school and relocated to Liverpool to support him full-time.

“My mum has done a lot for me. The hardest thing for her has been moving up to Liverpool. She left her job to come move up. She does everything for me and my brother. She’s just amazing,” he said.

Ngumoha describes football as “a top, top escape route” from the pressures of his upbringing, and says the belief that he would one day represent England was something he held from childhood.

“If you don’t visualise anything or you don’t dream big enough, then you might not ever achieve it,” he said. “I’ve definitely always believed in it.”

His brother’s demanding approach to training — “tough, sometimes,” as Ngumoha puts it — has clearly left its mark. The teenager’s single-minded attitude was enough to catch Tuchel’s attention during England’s pre-World Cup camp in the United States, putting him firmly in the frame for a senior debut against Croatia.