England still in danger of being snubbed by Rio Ngumoha despite call-up
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRio NgumohaLiverpool winger Rio Ngumoha has been called up to England's pre-World Cup camp, but the 17-year-old could still switch his international allegiance, with France, Nigeria and Guadeloupe all eligible optionsLiverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has been a breakout star this season(Image: Getty Images)Rio Ngumoha could still turn down England despite being called up to the pre-World Cup camp.The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Liverpool, making 18 appearances and scoring twice. As a result, Thomas Tuchel has included Ngumoha — along with Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Fulham's Josh King — for the pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand in Tampa and Costa Rica in Orlando.All four are anticipated to feature as Tuchel meticulously manages the players' workloads in the 26-man tournament squad.
Nevertheless, even if Ngumoha steps onto the field, he won't be tied to the Three Lions.READ MORE: Liverpool blocked from signing $14M talent Kennet Eichhorn in transfer setbackREAD MORE: Arne Slot 'walking finest of lines' with FSG as Liverpool boss gets more timeA regulation implemented in 2021 allows players who have secured up to three senior international caps before reaching 21 to switch allegiances.Previously, the rule specified that players could not change nations after earning a senior cap in a competitive fixture.England midfielder Declan Rice utilized this rule when transferring from the Republic of Ireland. Rice collected three senior caps for the Republic, all in friendlies, before opting to represent England in 2019.Ngumoha has plenty of international options(Image: Getty Images)Ngumoha is in fact eligible to represent three other nations — France, Nigeria and Guadeloupe.Born in London, his mother originates from Guadeloupe, an overseas department and region of France, which renders him eligible for the two-time World Cup winners.His father, meanwhile, is Nigerian, meaning the African nation also remains a viable option.Having already featured for England at youth level, the country of his birth still appears the most probable destination for his international future, though it is far from guaranteed despite his recent senior call-up.Addressing the roles of Ngumoha, Nwaneri, King and Scott, Tuchel said: "We will take some young players out who will train with us in the size of the squad that we need, and we have the two friendly matches to take care of the minutes and the load on the players."I'm happy to have these players, especially Alex, who was on the [long] list of 55 [players for the 26-man World Cup squad] and obviously he didn't make the first cut."But the reaction of him was outstanding and the commitment and wish to be in pre-camp and a step closer to the team was not even a question for him."That showed me his character and I'm delighted he'll be with us because that was a close call and he gets a chance to get a step closer and a cap."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Rio NgumohaLiverpool FCEngland Football TeamFIFA World Cup