"When I was pretty young" – Rio Ngumoha recalls childhood prediction after England call

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rush The Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Rio Ngumoha is living the dream of so many.Playing for Liverpool, featuring in the Premier League and Champions League, and he has now etched himself in the footballing history of the England men's team.Coming on against Czech Republic in the Nations League at 18 years and 31 days old, he became the third-youngest player to make his competitive debut for the England men’s team, behind Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham.Speaking to ITV, Ngumoha remarked:"[speaking on Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham England careers] Hopefully I can do the same. It's going to be a good journey, I think!"Liverpool's number 73 has erupted into the limelight, since making his senior Liverpool debut in January 2025 under Arne Slot, he has featured more prominently in the Reds' frontline in the past two seasons.

In his interview, Ngumoha added:"I definitely had the confidence and the belief to think that I could wear an England shirt at 18. Maybe not, but I definitely knew one day I would play when I was pretty young."This is the confidence that can carry a player to stardom.

Not to put any pressure on him.But Ngumoha has been very levelled headed ever since he has been thrust into the limelight, and the prospect of being a part of history didn't faze the young winger."[on playing against Czech Republic] I was ready to go. Once I knew that I was coming on, I just had the hunger, the fight, the belief.""Once I was on the pitch, it was just like any game of football, really."Jul 29, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Liverpool FC forward Rio Ngumoha (73) controls the ball against Wrexham AFC during the second half at Yankee Stadium.