John Barnes has urged those questioning Rio Ngumoha‘s absence from England’s World Cup squad to “leave him alone,” with key advice from the Liverpool legend.
Barnes is one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, and certainly among the best of all time for his position on the left wing.
That makes him uniquely placed when it comes to his opinions on Ngumoha, the 17-year-old who is enjoying a rapid rise in his old position for club and, after debuting against New Zealand on Saturday night, country.
But amid criticism of Thomas Tuchel for leaving Ngumoha out of the squad for this summer’s World Cup, Barnes has called for patience.
“Leave him alone, let him develop,” Barnes told talkSPORT.
“First of all, he’s not even playing for Liverpool, he’s a sub for Liverpool.
“So until he gets in Liverpool’s team consistently and plays well, don’t put the pressure on him.
“That’s why I’m glad he never played a lot last year in a Liverpool team that may not have been doing well.
England's Rio Ngumoha during the international friendly match at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Picture date: Saturday June 6, 2026.
England's Rio Ngumoha during the international friendly match at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Picture date: Saturday June 6, 2026.
“Because if they’re not doing well and he suffers because of confidence and not playing, it could affect him.
“Let him develop slowly, and I’m hoping for Arsenal to do the same with Max Dowman.
“Just let them develop and leave them alone.
“If you’re not playing for Arsenal and Liverpool regularly, why are you going to be playing for England?”
What are Liverpool’s plans for Rio Ngumoha?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ngumoha is expected to play an increasingly prominent role for Liverpool next season after interest from Bayern Munich was dismissed out of hand.
The teenager should return for pre-season buoyed by his experience with England, despite not being eligible for a call-up to the World Cup squad even in the event of injury.
He was named Man of the Match for his second-half display against New Zealand, earning plaudits for his performance on the right wing.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Rio Ngumoha on the bench before the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Rio Ngumoha on the bench before the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool are likely to seek talks over a new contract for their No. 78 in the coming weeks to reward his progress, having only signed his first professional contract in September.
Ngumoha could only agree a three-year deal due to rules over scholars turning pro, but will be able to put pen to paper on significantly longer terms when he turns 18.
The club are looking to add at least one new winger to Andoni Iraola‘s squad this summer but there is no indication that this will impact plans for the former Chelsea youngster.
gakpofrimpong
Andoni Iraola was not happy after Bournemouth’s home draw (Adam Davy/PA)
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola reacts following the Premier League match at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Tuesday March 3, 2026.
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Brentford FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)