As Thomas Tuchel leads England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup chasing their elusive return to global glory, we might have already seen a glimpse of their future with Rio Ngumoha, and it's very bright.
While the Three Lions are loaded with talent, it caught everyone's attention when the German coach gave Liverpool's 17-year old starlet a chance to play with the senior team in pre-tournament action.
Ngumoha put on a sterling display, and it was clear that this was just the beginning of what could be a very fruitful partnership between player and national team.
Andoni Iraola and Liverpool must continue building Rio
While many fans, myself included, were clamoring for Ngumoha to get more minutes during the 2025/26 season, it has to be said that the now-departed Arne Slot finally got the hint and gave him a proper run in the second half of the season.
However, following his 29 appearance breakthrough campaign, Rio Ngumoha should be looking to take the next step in his development. That makes the hiring of Andoni Iraola even more significant.
The Spanish coach has a strong reputation for nurturing young talents and guiding them to the next levels in their game. The most recent example being Eli Junior Kroupi with Bournemouth last season.
The 19-year old French forward was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year following a 13-goal haul in the Premier League. Iraola also turned 19-year old Rayan into a Brazil World Cup selection in only 5 months together.
Add in his development of highly rated midfielder Alex Scott, and Liverpool and Ngumoha should be very excited about their prospects moving forward.
Having said all of that, it will come down to Iraola to continue giving Rio the opportunities he needs, and for the player himself to keep taking his chances.
The system that Iraola wants to play is fast and transitional, which creates plenty of wide attacking chances, which suits Ngumoha almost perfectly.
I'm not saying that Ngumoha should play 50 times next season, but if he can touch 35-40 in all competitions, we would likely see some tangible rewards and clear growth in the youngster. He is one of the future building blocks at Anfield and in today's game, if you can play, you play. Age is becoming less restrictive.
The Reds are a better side when Rio is on the pitch in some capacity, so they must lean into that, and in this new forward thinking tactical system, the 17-year old could be ready to shine.
For England and Ngumoha, the time might be now
England left some top class players at home for this World Cup adventure. Players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton, Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, Morgan Gibbs-White and Cole Palmer all failed to make the final cut.
That is a star-laden group of players not joining the Three Lions in North America. So, where does that leave Rio Ngumoha in the England pecking order?
He became the country's fifth-youngest senior debutant ever when he came on as a substitute against New Zealand a few weeks ago. He looked like a star on the right wing and he completed the most dribbles while also winning the most duels. His directness and tenacious style were evident to all.
Per reports, Tuchel called Ngumoha into pre-World Cup training so players from the Champions League Final could rest. However, the German coach was apparently blown away by what he saw.
The England coaches learned what Liverpool have known for awhile now, that Rio Ngumoha is the real deal, and his time might be sooner than later.
Euro 2028 and club success
A realistic timeline for Ngumoha to really burst onto the international scene will be the European Championships in two years when they take place in the UK and Ireland.
Depending on how England does the remainder of this World Cup, Tuchel might still be in charge, in which case it's likely that he only grows fonder of Rio over the next few seasons. Even if a new manager is brought in, the door will be open.
In fairness, the names mentioned above are some heavy-hitters in English football and are all still very much in their primes right now and the next few years. Not to mention the players at the World Cup for England.
Ngumoha will need to continue his rapid development at club level, which would give him the foundation he needs to leave his mark at the senior international level.
If Iraola is a success at Liverpool, that probably means Ngumoha is as well, which in turn means that when Euro 2028 rolls around, the then 19-year old would be a strong option to make the final list.
At both Liverpool and England, Ngumoha is surrounded by global stars and huge talents. He has not shied away from the moment at all. He plays with a fearlessness that keeps him driving forward. He's one of the few true elite 1v1 players in England right now, and he is only going to get better and better.
A bright future ahead
Rio Ngumoha showed he has the right makeup in his England debut, where he stole the show and hearts of England staff and fans alike.
The 2026/27 club season with Liverpool under the tutelage of Andoni Iraola will be a crucial launching pad for him towards a fast-tracked future in the England setup and as a cornerstone at Anfield.
While there are talented and more proven players ahead of him for now, that won't be the case for long if he keeps his current trajectory. He has already begun forcing his way into the Liverpool setup, and England shouldn't be long after.
Both Liverpool and England are fully aware of the prodigious young talent they have available to them now and for the next decade-plus. Rio gave us all a glimpse of the magic to come this season and on his Three Lions debut.
One has to admit, we should all be excited for his encore performance.
Add us as a preferred source on Google