Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha left out of England squad for Spain tie
September 26, 2026 13:01
Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha, 18, has not been named in England's matchday squad for Saturday's Nations League opener against Spain at Wembley (19:45 BST). He had been included in a full England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel earlier this month but will miss out for the fixture.
KEY CONTEXT
Ngumoha travelled with the senior England group as one of five supplementary players for the pre-World Cup training camp in Florida. He made his international debut as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 friendly win against New Zealand and became the fifth youngest player to represent the Three Lions.
At club level Ngumoha has climbed quickly through Liverpool's ranks. He became the youngest player in Liverpool's history to start a first-team match when he made his debut as a 16-year-old in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley in the 2024-25 season. He scored a late winner on his Premier League debut in Liverpool's 3-2 win at Newcastle last season. This term he has made three league appearances for Andoni Iraola's Liverpool, with one start.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
England meet Spain in the Nations League at Wembley on Saturday evening (19:45 BST); Ngumoha is not part of the matchday squad for that game.
KEY FACTS
- Player: Rio Ngumoha, 18, Liverpool forward
- Omitted from England matchday squad vs Spain (Nations League, Wembley, 19:45 BST)
- Named in a full England squad by Thomas Tuchel earlier this month
- Made England debut in 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand; fifth youngest Three Lions debutant
- Liverpool milestones: youngest Liverpool starter (aged 16, FA Cup v Accrington Stanley); scored Premier League debut winner at Newcastle
- 2025-26 season: three league appearances, one start for Andoni Iraola's Liverpool