Liverpool international roundup latest as both Spain and England make huge calls over Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha in their respective teams.
Rio Ngumoha of England looks on during a training session at St Georges Park
Rio Ngumoha missed England's clash with Spain(Image: (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
Liverpool has hit its first international break of the season, with Andoni Iraola now handed the perfect opportunity to take stock of the first few weeks of the campaign.
The manager has overseen seven games so far, remaining unbeaten across all competitions, which includes a victory in the Champions League and progression in the EFL Cup. In the Premier League, there have been mixed results with two wins and three draws across the opening five games, alongside some inconsistency in performances.
It points to a positive start for the Reds, without it being a fast-paced improvement across the board from last season. While Iraola will now have the chance to reflect on that start, some of his key stars have jetted off with their respective national teams to feature across the extended three-week international break.
With plenty of action underway, here's a look at the latest Liverpool international break news and a roundup of the players involved during the break.
Rio Ngumoha (England)
Rio Ngumoha of England arrives at Belgrove Hotel West Palm Beach ahead of international friendlies and FIFA World Cup
Rio Ngumoha has been left out of the England squad to face Spain(Image: (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez - The FA/Getty Images))
After receiving a call-up from Thomas Tuchel for the latest England squad, there was some hope that Rio Ngumoha could establish himself in the senior setup for years to come.
While he may have shown his quality on the training pitch, the Liverpool winger still received a harsh snub, as he was the odd one out when the Three Lions had to trim the squad from 24 to 23 to fit the UEFA rules for matchday squad size.
It meant the 18-year-old had to watch on from the stands as England played out a 3-2 defeat to Spain, with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane canceled out by Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Following that clash, Ngumoha will still have chances to secure a place in the team, with matches against Czechia and Croatia still to come.
Victor Munoz (Spain)
Victor Munoz of Spain kisses the FIFA World Cup trophy after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Winner Spain and Argentina
Victor Munoz won't feature for Spain against England(Image: (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images))
Ngumoha wasn't the only one to receive a harsh call surrounding the matchday squad, as Victor Munoz was left out of the same match, with Luis de la Fuente deciding to leave the winger out of Spain's matchday squad against England.
It comes as a slight blow for the Liverpool ace, who is clearly favored by the manager for the squad, but not for a regular place in the team. It was a situation he became accustomed to at the World Cup, where he was part of the traveling group, but didn't receive a minute of action on the pitch.
Just like Ngumoha, Munoz will have chances to impress over the next few weeks, with clashes against Croatia and Czechia around the corner.