Rio Ngumoha impressed England's senior players on his international debut against New Zealand, but Liverpool icon John Barnes has urged caution over the youngster's development
Samuel Meade
12:13, 09 Jun 2026
Rio Ngumoha is Liverpool's brightest young talent
Rio Ngumoha is Liverpool's brightest young talent(Image: Getty Images)
John Barnes has urged England to leave Rio Ngumoha alone, insisting the Liverpool teenager should be permitted to mature without intense scrutiny.
The young prodigy proved a rare highlight for the Reds during an otherwise disappointing season. He was among several emerging talents summoned to Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad for the team's preparatory fixtures, expanding the 26-man selection.
Ngumoha made his debut as a substitute in England's far from convincing victory over New Zealand at the weekend, earning the Player of the Match accolade. He's frequently displayed flashes of brilliance when afforded opportunities at the club level, and that pattern continued as he rose to the international occasion.
However, Barnes maintains Ngumoha should be nowhere near the England setup, arguing instead that he must establish himself as a regular at Anfield before such discussions begin.
He told talkSPORT: "Leave him alone and let him develop. Theo Walcott went to the World Cup at 16, and if you want him to progress, you can't overemphasize his importance.
"He's not even playing for Liverpool. He's a sub for Liverpool, so until he gets into the team consistently and plays well, don't put the pressure on him.
John Barnes has offered his opinion
John Barnes has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)
"That's why I'm glad he didn't play a lot last year in a Liverpool team that was struggling, because if they're not doing well and he suffers because of confidence, it could affect him.
"Let him develop slowly. So the fact he's not in Liverpool's team, and I hope Arsenal do the same with Max Dowman, just leave them alone. If you're not playing for Arsenal or Liverpool regularly, why are you going to be playing for England?"
Ngumoha featured in just nine of his 29 Liverpool outings as a starter, yet rapidly won over supporters, with Arne Slot facing jeers when substituting the youngster during last term's Chelsea fixture.
England's attacking options aren't lacking in talent, though injuries can always become a consideration, as with any major competition.
Presently, Tuchel can call upon the likes of Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, and Eberechi Eze on the flanks, but Ngumoha couldn't be summoned to deputize for them, whatever the situation.
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According to World Cup rules, nations may bring in a late injury cover up to 24 hours prior to their first fixture. But the replacement must feature on the preliminary 55-man list submitted to FIFA.
Ngumoha wasn't named on that original roster and cannot be included on the tournament panel under any circumstances.
Ngumoha's ability impressed some of England's established stars, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remarking: "He was quality, nothing fazed him. He's had a really good season at Liverpool, and the manager gave him his debut, and he showed how good he is."