England can call up one extra player to World Cup squad with late change - but not Rio Ngumoha
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SportFootballEngland football teamNeed to knowEngland are set to open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, and Thomas Tuchel will be able to call up one extra player for his squadRio Ngumoha cannot be part of England's World Cup squad(Image: The FA via Getty Images)Everything you need to know about the rules on England's World Cup squad...The training call-up: The 17-year-old Liverpool winger Ngumoha was brought into the England camp in Miami to help bolster training numbers before the tournament. Head coach Tuchel needed extra bodies because players from Crystal Palace and Arsenal were arriving late due to European final commitments.The strict FIFA eligibility rule: Under World Cup regulations, teams can call up a late injury replacement up to 24 hours before their opening match.
Because Ngumoha was not included on that initial 55-man list, he cannot be added to the tournament squad under any circumstances.The only eligible stand-in (Alex Scott): The Bournemouth star is the only youngster currently touring with the squad who can be called up if an injury occurs. Unlike Ngumoha, Josh King, and Ethan Nwaneri, Scott was named in the preliminary 55-man party, making him eligible for a late promotion.The looming injury deadline: England can make changes to their 26-man roster for injury or illness reasons until 24 hours before their opening match against Croatia.
Once the tournament begins, FIFA rules state that only goalkeepers can be replaced in the event of an emergency.The silver lining for Ngumoha: Despite missing out on a World Cup squad spot, the Liverpool teenager remains with the group to gain invaluable senior experience. He has featured in England's 1-0 friendly win against New Zealand and will be eligible to face Costa Rica before the tournament officially starts.The historic Liverpool absence: Ngumoha's exclusion confirms that Liverpool will not have a single player in an England squad at a major tournament for the first time since 1986.