Everton star pays Liverpool compliment after Rio Ngumoha's 'quality' England debut
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRio NgumohaRio Ngumoha was the standout performer as he made his England debut against New Zealand, with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford among those wowed by the Liverpool youngsterRio Ngumoha impressed as he made his England debut against New Zealand(Image: Getty Images)Jordan Pickford has praised Rio Ngumoha for his “quality” debut for England on Saturday, and the Everton goalkeeper even paid a compliment to Liverpool for the academy’s work with the teenager.Ngumoha was handed his first cap for the Three Lions during the World Cup warm-up game against New Zealand, and he marked his appearance from the bench with a player of the match performance in Tampa.The 17-year-old has been showered with praise for his display, which comes after a breakthrough season at Liverpool in which he made 29 appearances for the senior side, and began starting regularly towards the end of the campaign.Although he won’t be able to claim a spot in England’s World Cup squad should any player be forced to drop out, Ngumoha has made his mark, with Pickford among those impressed.“He was quality, nothing fazed him,” Pickford said.“He’s had a really good season at Liverpool and the manager gave him his debut and he showed how good he is.Ngumoha starred for England in Tampa(Image: Getty Images)“All the young lads have been brilliant in training, they have moulded into the squad and helped us massively and it also shows the talent we have in the system. It is a credit to the academies and the pathway we have in English football.”Ngumoha could get another chance to showcase his talents for England before he heads home from the United States, with Thomas Tuchel’s side facing Costa Rica on Wednesday before the World Cup gets underway the following day.The teenager will have another manager to impress once he returns to Liverpool this summer, with Andoni Iraola having now been confirmed as Arne Slot’s successor after the Dutchman was fired last week.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Ngumoha will be expected to play an increased role for the Reds next season, with Liverpool having batted away transfer interest from Bayern Munich. The German giant is reported to have reached a verbal agreement with the young winger following talks with Vincent Kompany, but has now turned its attention elsewhere.Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha is showing yet again why Liverpool doesn’t want to entertain any interest from rivals this summer.To break into the England setup at 17 is one thing, but to then produce a player of the match display just backs up why fans are so excited about him.He will surely get even more game time next season, although Iraola will of course have to be careful with him and make sure he isn’t overloading him so early on in his career.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCRio NgumohaEngland Football TeamEverton FC