Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni both started for England U19s in their first of three games this break, with the winger producing a dazzling assist in a 2-0 victory.
England have begun their qualification campaign for next year’s U19 Euros and both Ngumoha and Nyoni are established as key players for Will Antwi’s side.
Travelling to Lithuania for three fixtures this break, the Young Lions kicked things off with a 2-0 victory over their hosts on Wednesday.
Ngumoha started on the left wing while Nyoni was given the No. 4 shirt as he patrolled in his natural midfield role – having previously filled in as a left-back for the U19s.
Both stood out, but it was Ngumoha who grabbed the headlines for a typically stunning passage of play driving into the box.
Rio Ngumoha ?? pic.twitter.com/VjEAlEYrHa
— A (@Bygecko1) November 12, 2025
With Shumaira Mheuka having already put England a goal up in the first half, Liverpool’s No. 73 laid on the Chelsea striker’s second just after the break.
Picking the ball up from Harry Amass on the left flank, Ngumoha drew three Lithuania defenders towards him, dancing beyond their challenges and driving towards the byline before firing a cross to the Mheuka at the back post.
Mheuka slid in to clinch his brace and secure an opening three points for England ahead of further clashes with Latvia (Nov 15) and Scotland (Nov 18).
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Liverpool's captain Trey Nyoni lines-up before the UEFA Youth League match between Galatasaray Under-19's and Liverpool FC Under-19's at the Esenler Stadium. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ngumoha played 68 minutes before being replaced by Man City‘s Divine Mukasa, while Nyoni stayed on for the full 90 minutes as he impressed in midfield.
There are likely to be changes for the U19s’ next game, but Antwi is still expected to rely heavily on the Liverpool duo.
Ngumoha’s involvement with the Young Lions this break is particularly useful as he has barely featured at any level for his club in recent weeks.
Why Rio Ngumoha can benefit from England duty
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Rio Ngumoha before the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Promoted to the first team on a full-time basis this season, that has seen the 17-year-old train with Arne Slot‘s squad week in, week out and make the matchday squad for 17 of their 18 games so far.
But he has only come off the bench in four of those, as well as starting twice, with his overall tally of minutes played just 207.
The youngster has – understandably given Liverpool’s struggles for form – gone unused in the last three games, but his inclusion in those squads meant he has not been able to build up his game time with the academy sides either.
It is a situation which has proved problematic for a number of high-profile talents in recent years, with a difficult balance to strike between first-team exposure and minutes on the pitch.