Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha has earned his first two England caps this year, and Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel has high hopes for the exciting 18-year-old winger
Thomas Tuchel has spoken about Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha
Thomas Tuchel has spoken about Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha(Image: Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha has been tipped by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel to become a "decisive" player for England and emulate the achievements of stars such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
The Liverpool youngster received his international debut prior to this summer's World Cup, coming on as a half-time substitute in a warm-up friendly against New Zealand, before earning his first competitive cap in last week's 2-0 triumph away at Czechia.
The 18-year-old is being carefully nurtured by both club and country, and has featured five times under new manager Andoni Iraola this season as he competes for starting berths alongside Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz. However, while he remains a developing talent, Tuchel holds lofty ambitions for the teenager.
Prior to England's 7-0 demolition of Croatia over the weekend, the German was asked whether the Three Lions' finest attacking talents were now playing their soccer overseas.
Yet Tuchel highlighted Ngumoha, endorsing the Reds prospect to emerge and prove "decisive" for his nation as well.
"I didn't think about it, but yes, in the moment, yes (there are a number of them playing abroad)," he said.
Rio Ngumoha has impressed while on England duty
Rio Ngumoha has impressed while on England duty(Image: Getty Images)
"Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were decisive for us in the World Cup, and I see no reason they won't be in the future.
"It's good that Anthony (Gordon) has stepped up now.
"He is the third one.
"There is obviously a relevance to them playing abroad, but I don't see that a player who plays in the Premier League cannot step up and be decisive for us.
"We have our youngest player in Rio Ngumoha – he seems to be pretty decisive.
"I think we have options."
Ngumoha will be hoping to earn his third international cap when England wraps up the extended September/October international window against Czechia on Tuesday.
He will subsequently rejoin Liverpool as the Reds gear up for a demanding schedule of nine fixtures across 28 days, with Iraola's side set to host Premier League leaders Man City at Anfield.