Liverpool legend issues Rio Ngumoha reality check after England World Cup decision

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRio NgumohaRio Ngumoha was left out of Thomas Tuchel's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup, prompting frustration from some supporters after his impressive showing against New ZealandRio Ngumoha was left out of England's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)John Barnes is pleased that Rio Ngumoha is not going to the World Cup with England – because he feels as though the youngster should be given the opportunity to develop before being thrust onto the big stage.Ngumoha has been viewed as one of England's most promising young talents for several years, and he burst onto the scene for Liverpool with a dramatic injury-time winner against Newcastle last August.The 17-year-old finished the 2025-26 season having made 29 appearances in all competitions, and his reward for an encouraging campaign was an invite to the United States to help England prepare for the World Cup. The youngster was one of a small clutch of young players who Tuchel included in the traveling party, along with Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Fulham's Josh King and Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri.Although Ngumoha was not in the 26-man squad for the tournament, he was eligible to feature in Saturday's friendly against New Zealand, which England won 1-0.He came on as a half-time substitute in that game and ended up winning the man-of-the-match award, leading many viewers to wonder why he wasn't included in the 26-man squad that Tuchel thinks will give England the best chance of winning the World Cup.However, Barnes thinks that it was the right decision to leave him behind, telling talkSPORT: “Leave him alone, let him develop.

First of all, he’s not even playing for Liverpool, he’s a sub for Liverpool.“So until he gets in Liverpool’s team consistently and plays well, don’t put the pressure on him.Ngumoha enjoyed a good season with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)“That’s why I’m glad he never played a lot last year in a Liverpool team that may not have been doing well.“Because if they’re not doing well and he suffers because of confidence and not playing, it could affect him.“Let him develop slowly, and I’m hoping for Arsenal to do the same with Max Dowman.“Just let them develop and leave them alone. If you’re not playing for Arsenal and Liverpool regularly, why are you going to be playing for England?”In the event of injury or illness, Tuchel is permitted to make changes to his squad up until 24 hours before its opening group game, against Croatia on June 17.However, he will only be allowed to choose from the players he included in an original 55-man squad, which was not made public but which Ngumoha is not believed to have been on.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCRio Ngumoha