Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on November 07, 2025 in Kirkby, England.placeholder image
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on November 07, 2025 in Kirkby, England. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Two Liverpool players were in action on Wednesday as they represented England Under-19s
Liverpool ace Rio Ngumoha provided a stunning assist for England Under-19s as he helped the Young Lions to a 2-0 win over Lithuania in their UEFA U19 EURO 2026 Qualifier.
Chelsea academy player Shumaira Mheuka scored from the spot in the first half after rising Arsenal star max Dowman was fouled inside the penalty area. Shortly after half-time, England doubled their lead thanks to a brilliant piece of play from Nguomha.
The Liverpool winger received the ball on the left and drew in three defenders inside the penalty area before making a quick burst to the byline and putting in a fierce low cross that was finished by Mheuka at the back post.
Despite having three defenders around him, they were unable to contain Nguomha who opted to use the space that was near the byline to fashion his cross. He was withdrawn by head coach Will Antwi on 68 minutes.
Another Liverpool youngster Trey Nyoni also featured as he played the full-game. The England Under-19s still have two more games before they finish with their international duties. They face Latvia on Saturday with the game kicking off at 10am.
They conclude their fixtures with a game against Scotland on Tuesday, with that also getting underway at 10am. If England finish top two in their qualifying group, they will progress to the next stage of qualifying which will take place in March 2026.
Rio Nguomha having breakthrough season at Liverpool
Nguomha impressed in pre-season for the Reds but many youngsters at several of England’s biggest clubs have played in friendly games and never made an impact with the first team.
That has not been the case for Nguomha who scored a dramatic winner against Newcastle United in the Premier League back in August. Aged 16 years and 361 days at the time, he became the Reds' youngest scorer of all time by netting the decider at St. James' Park with 100 minutes on the clock.
Manager Arne Slot said in the aftermath: “It’s special for him to score a goal in a moment like this.”
He added: "It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio Ngumoha can finish so well for his age.
"I did hear someway say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch but he is so confident. For his age he is a really good finisher.”
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