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Rio Ngumoha## Thomas Tuchel and England are desperate to end the country's long wait for silverware, but throwing Liverpool talent Rio Ngumoha in at the deep end is not the answer
04:00, 19 Jul 2026
There's a lot of pressure on Rio Ngumoha to become a superstar
There's a lot of pressure on Rio Ngumoha to become a superstar(Image: Getty Images)
In 1996, English comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner — accompanied by Liverpool rock band the Lightning Seeds — released their iconic 'Three Lions' song.
That tune is best known for introducing the phrase "football's coming home," which England fans optimistically sing at every major tournament. Yet there's another lyric that's hard to ignore — "30 years of hurt" — referencing the country's last tournament triumph at the 1966 World Cup. By the time Euro 2028 rolls around, it'll be 62 years of hurt.
That's because England crashed out of another tournament on Wednesday by losing 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals. Perhaps the Three Lions need something special to finally get over the line in two years' time — but Rio Ngumoha is not the answer.
Reports earlier this week suggested England boss Thomas Tuchel will include Liverpool talent Ngumoha in his plans for Euro 2028. It's easy to see why Tuchel is keen on the 17-year-old.
Ngumoha was called up to England's pre-World Cup training camp and even made his senior international debut in a friendly against New Zealand. The teenager dazzled from the bench to be named the Player of the Match and give England a glimpse into the future.
Tuchel would've undoubtedly been impressed by Ngumoha's performance in that game. But he should give the youngster time to find his feet at Liverpool before making him an England regular.
Ngumoha made his England debut last month
Ngumoha made his England debut last month(Image: Getty Images)
Let's not forget that Ngumoha is yet to break into Liverpool's starting XI. While he played 29 times for the first team last season, most of those appearances came from the bench.
Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot did not want to throw Ngumoha in at the deep end, even when the team was struggling. He gave the winger time to develop rather than asking too much of him.
"Let’s be clear, he is a special player that will have more playing time and already has more playing time recently," Slot told a reporter in February when asked about Ngumoha's lack of minutes.
"If everyone thinks he is so good, then he should be in something to talk about again. If he is already good enough to play for us, then he should definitely be, in your opinion."
It's clear Liverpool's strategy is to slowly but surely introduce Ngumoha into the starting XI without rushing his development. The teenager might become one of the best players in the world, but he might not. There's no need to rush him and find out.
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Andoni Iraola and everyone at Liverpool knows this. They should be annoyed to learn that Tuchel is keen to include him in his England plans, even though his role at Anfield for the upcoming season is yet to be determined.
England's pain is understandable. It's incredible to think that one of soccer's great nations hasn't won a major tournament in 60 years and counting. Ngumoha might be the man to end that wait, but let the 17-year-old become an adult first before putting that pressure on him.
Quite simply, you shouldn't be considered for your national team if you're not starting week in, week out for your club side.
Thomas Blow
Thomas Blow
Tom joined Reach PLC in October 2021 and writes for the Mirror US, Express US, Irish Star and Liverpool.com. He is also the editor of Reach's Substack newsletter on Sheffield United. Tom has previously written for several newspapers, magazines and websites, including the Daily Mirror, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, The Cricketer, Late Tackle and These Football Times. He's also appeared on BBC News, BBC Radio and various podcasts. Tom is the author of two books on cricket: The Honorary Tyke and Kings in Waiting. He studied at Leeds Beckett University (BA Hons) and the University of Sheffield (MA). Want to contact Tom? His email address is: tom.blow@reachplc.com
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