Rio Ngumoha has made a flying start to his senior England career, winning the Player of the Match award on his debut.
The 17-year-old was one of the few shining lights in a poor season at Liverpool, providing pace and directness out wide.
Ngumoha may not have been called up to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup, but he is a part of the group’s warm-up games in the USA.
The Liverpool youngster was introduced at half time in Saturday’s 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa – Harry Kane scored the only goal – and it’s fair to say he caught the eye.
3E80PGB Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Fulham in Liverpool, England, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
The teenager took up a Mohamed Salah-like right wing role, rather than his preferred left-sided berth, and he was England’s most dangerous attacking player.
Not only did he complete the most dribbles (3), but he also won the most duels (6), shining in and out of possession.
Writing in his player ratings, GOAL‘s Mark Doyle said Ngumoha was “full of positive energy,” while the *Evening Standard*‘s Oli Gent was even more effusive in his praise, saying:
“A livewire off the right flank, using his trickery and quick feet to good effect on his senior debut. Full of confidence, as shown by his double drag-back late on to bamboozle his marker.”
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham paid a nice tribute to Ngumoha in the changing room after the game, handing him his first cap in the process.
"I'm speechless!" ??? pic.twitter.com/RSSzt672L2
— England (@England) June 7, 2026
“Congratulations on an amazing debut. I think we all enjoyed watching it,” Bellingham said.
“And obviously you’re going to have a really bright future at your club and hopefully with us as well.
“It’s a pleasure to give it to you because I know there will be so many more, so congratulations.”
Ngumoha himself then said he was both “happy” and “speechless” after a huge achievement, in what was another big step in the right direction for him.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring his side's winning third goal, his first competitive goal on Premier League debut becoming Liverpool's youngest ever goal-scorer, during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool will surely shrug off rumoured interest from Bayern Munich this summer, seeing him as an integral part of their future.
The fact that Ngumoha excelled in Salah’s position can only be a good thing, helping fill the void left by the Egyptian legend, along with an incoming signing.
On this evidence, Thomas Tuchel may be regretting not including him in the World Cup squad, with Arsenal‘s Noni Madueke arguably fortunate to get the nod.
This is surely only the first of many caps for his country for Ngumoha, though, and his chance will come at major tournaments.