Rio Ngumoha World Cup decision confirmed after Liverpool winger given England call
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SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha will not take part in the forthcoming World Cup despite being called up by EnglandRio Ngumoha will not be able to feature in the forthcoming World Cup despite his surprise call-up to the England squad ahead of the tournament.Ngumoha is one of several youngsters who flew out with the Three Lions to Miami on Monday despite not being named by head coach Thomas Tuchel in the 26-man party for the finals.With numbers needing to be bolstered given the late arrival of Crystal Palace and Arsenal representatives following their European final commitments, the 17-year-old Liverpool winger has been joined by Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Josh King of Fulham and Ethan Nwaneri, who was on loan at Marseille during the season from Arsenal.However, only Scott could be promoted to the World Cup squad in case of injury because, unlike the other three players, he was named in the provisional 55-man squad required by FIFA last month.Competition rules state players must be on that initial list to be elevated to the main squad, with teams allowed to make changes for injury or illness reasons up to 24 hours before their initial match. England begin their Group L campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17.Once their tournament is underway, only goalkeepers can be replaced in the event of injury or illness.
Jason Steele of Brighton has also travelled with the England squad as a training goalkeeper.Ngumoha will nevertheless be hoping to impress should he be given an opportunity in England's two warm-up friendlies against New Zealand on Saturday in Tampa and against Costa Rica next Wednesday in Orlando.But it means Liverpool are assured not to have a player in an England squad at a major tournament for the first time since 1986.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCRio Ngumoha