Rio Ngumoha ready to make England splash as he spells out Ballon d’Or ambition

Rio Ngumoha has earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans after an impressive start to the season, despite narrowly missing last summer’s World Cup squad. The 18-year-old Liverpool winger could start against Croatia at Wembley and hopes to test himself against Spain’s Lamine Yamal, as injuries and omissions create an opening.

Ngumoha says he believes he can become the world’s best player and is inspired by Yamal’s freedom on the pitch. He made his Liverpool debut at 16, scoring a last-minute winner against Newcastle, after moving from Chelsea’s academy in 2024; a tribunal ordered Liverpool to pay at least £2.8m. His progress has been supported by his family, including his older brother, who is now his agent.