Rio Ngumoha has made a big impression with England before the World Cup, with the young Liverpool winger reportedly having scored a great goal in a behind-closed-doors game today
19:39, 11 Jun 2026Updated 19:48, 11 Jun 2026
Rio Ngumoha controls the ball during an England game.
Rio Ngumoha controls the ball during an England game.(Image: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha reportedly scored for England in a behind-closed-doors game against Miami FC today as Thomas Tuchel's side continues to warm up for the World Cup.
The Three Lions won 3-0 against Costa Rica on Wednesday in their final official friendly before the tournament kicks off, but those who didn't feature as much in that game are said to have played the second-tier US outfit as preparations continue.
According to the Daily Mail, Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick and England won 6-0. Liverpool starlet Ngumoha is said to have scored a great goal, with Jordan Henderson and Ethan Nwaneri also getting on the scoresheet.
Manchester City's Marc Guehi and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo are among those who supposedly impressed in the game too. England is scheduled to take on Croatia in Texas on Wednesday.
Ngumoha, having not been named in the original 55-man squad named by Tuchel, cannot take part in the competition proper even if someone gets injured and has to pull out.
Arsenal's Nwaneri and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott are in the same position. They were taken to the US initially for the experience and to help out in training.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 02: Alex Scott runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Rio Ngumoha of England during a training session at Palm Beach Gardens on June 02, 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Alex Scott runs with the ball while under pressure from Rio Ngumoha during an England training session at Palm Beach Gardens on June 02, 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida(Image: Leonardo Fernandez - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Last weekend, Ngumoha made his first England appearance when he played the second half against New Zealand. He was awarded the Player of the Match award.
Playing on the right wing, he was essentially standing in for Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, who were given some more time to recover from featuring for Arsenal in the Champions League final.
Despite his good form and undoubted talent, Reds legend John Barnes is pleased that Ngumoha isn't going to the World Cup.
"Leave him alone, let him develop," he said on talkSPORT. "First of all, he’s not even playing for Liverpool; he’s a sub for Liverpool.
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"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.
"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?"