Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha could be in line to start for England against Croatia on Thursday - and is already setting lofty ambitions for his fledgling career
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during training with England
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha during training with England
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England wonderkid Rio Ngumoha says he is desperate to follow in the footsteps of Harry Kane and win the Ballon d’Or.
Teenager Ngumoha, 18, says Kane is an inspiration for every young England player after the Bayern Munich superstar was crowned as the best in the world.
Liverpool winger Ngumoha says Kane’s achievement is a huge boost for English football and it has made him dream of also winning the prestigious honour.
Ngumoha said: “Yeah, 100%, Harry Kane winning the Ballon d'Or is definitely a big, big thing, being known as the best player in the world.
“It's also helped English football now because everyone's seen one of us win the Ballon d’Or, it is definitely encouraging many more people to wanting to definitely be known as the best player in the world. For me, I would like to achieve it and I think I can do it.”
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That is a bold claim but Ngumoha says Three Lions captain Kane - who is set to become England’s most capped player at Wembley on Thursday - is already helping the young players and sets an example every day in training.
Ngumoha said: “I haven't spoken to him much, really. When I first came, I was a bit shy, so I was keeping myself to myself, but then they got me in the group, and just watching him train, watching all the players train, but especially him, like the finishing drills that you see.
“You can see why he won it and why he's known as the best striker, best player in the world. Definitely an inspiration to me, but just to every young player and probably every England player as well. He's a top guy.”
Ngumoha is taking inspiration from his Ballon d'Or winning skipper Harry Kane
Ngumoha is taking inspiration from his Ballon d'Or winning skipper Harry Kane
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Ngumoha has won three senior caps for England but with Bukayo Saka out injured there could be a chance for him to start against Croatia on Thursday.
He added: “Hopefully. I think you know I'm competing with the best players in the world, so it's not going to be easy.
“But yeah, just if I can show myself in training and if the manager gives like faith and believes in me, then yeah, I'd love to start. But obviously, it's difficult, and yeah, I just keep just keep going really.”