UK media hails Rio Ngumoha's England debut as Arsenal duo 'lucky to be ahead of him'
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRio NgumohaLiverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha certainly made his mark on his England debut, with the teenager winning the player of the match award for his display against New ZealandRio Ngumoha impressed on his England debut against New Zealand(Image: Getty Images)Rio Ngumoha has been hailed by the UK’s media after his debut for England against New Zealand on Saturday.The Liverpool teenager came off the bench for the second half of the Three Lions’ World Cup warm-up game in Tampa, and once again made a huge impression as he was rewarded with the player of the match award.Ngumoha has been called up by Thomas Tuchel for England’s training camp ahead of this summer’s tournament as cover, with Arsenal’s stars arriving later than the rest of their teammates following their involvement in the Champions League final. After his debut though, one reporter has suggested he wants the 17-year-old in ahead of the two Gunners.Ngumoha has earned plenty of plaudits for his performance during England’s 1-0 win, in which Harry Kane supplied the winner just before half-time.The Standard’s Oli Gent gave the 17-year-old a rating of eight out of 10 — the highest in his player ratings across all 22 players on Saturday.“A livewire off the right flank, using his trickery and quick feet to good effect on his senior debut,” Gent wrote.
“Full of confidence, as shown by his double drag-back late on to bamboozle his marker.”Rio Ngumoha made his England debut in the narrow 1-0 warm-up friendly win over New Zealand(Image: 2026 The FA)There was another high mark from the Express’ Charlie Malam, with Ngumoha awarded a seven for his efforts during the second half.“Not in the World Cup squad but in the US to help make up the numbers."The 17-year-old was handed his senior England debut on the right wing despite playing from the left for Liverpool but still looked as threatening one-vs-one,” was Malam's verdict.“His end product, from his weaker foot, was inconsistent with some overhit crosses and he should have done better with a pass into Ivan Toney but looked like he could make things happen.”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.TalkSPORT’s Adrian Durham went even further, awarding Ngumoha a nine in his player ratings - once again the highest mark given to any of England’s players - and going on to say that Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke “are lucky to be in the squad” ahead of the teenager for the World Cup.Ngumoha could get another chance to showcase his talents for his country before heading home, with the winger set for a big summer back at Liverpool as Andoni Iraola takes over from Arne Slot.England faces Costa Rica in its final warm-up game on Wednesday before the tournament begins on Thursday, with Mexico kicking things off against South Africa.
The Three Lions’ first game is against Croatia on July 17.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCEngland Football TeamRio NgumohaArsenal FC