Thomas Tuchel has indicated confidence that Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha can develop into a decisive presence for the England national team, drawing comparisons with senior figures such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
The Three Lions head coach identified the winger as a player capable of stepping up on the international stage.
Ngumoha received his first senior cap during the warm-up programme ahead of this summer’s World Cup, entering at the break in a friendly against New Zealand before winning his maiden competitive appearance in the 2-0 away win over Czechia.
The 18-year-old’s workload is being handled cautiously at both club and international level, and he has featured in five matches under new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola this season, competing for selection alongside Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz.
Although still at an early stage of his development, Tuchel is said to hold high expectations for the forward.
Before England’s 7-0 victory over Croatia at the weekend, the German was asked whether the national team’s leading attacking talents were now based outside the country.
Tuchel used the question to highlight Ngumoha, backing the Liverpool academy product to become decisive for his country as well.
Speaking to reporters, Tuchel acknowledged the trend, noting that Anthony Gordon had recently stepped up and that Ngumoha was the third such case.
Ngumoha will now return to Liverpool, where Iraola’s side face a demanding sequence of nine fixtures in 28 days, beginning with the visit of Premier League leaders Manchester City to Anfield.