England head coach Thomas Tuchel has praised Liverpool FC’s Rio Ngumoha, ahead of England versus Spain in Nations League action.
“Rio was very impressive at this kind of age. He was explosive, he was adventurous, he was strong and one-on-ones like a true winger!”
“We are very excited about his potential and about his natural courage and adventurous style of play.”
Rio lit up England’s pre-World Cup preparations, including coming on as a substitute against New Zealand and winning man of the match. As
he was omitted from England’s initial 55-man provisional release list, Ngumoha was ineligible to be selected for the final tournament squad under FIFA rules—even as an injury replacement but it’s good to see him build on those appearances and get called up to the senior squad.
Rio spoke about the progress he’s made since the World Cup camp:
“I’ve just got to come here and show what I can do to everyone and just make sure everyone just understands who I am.”
“I’m not here just to be like a side part – I want to be a mainstay in the team and hopefully I can stay.”
“But there’s good competition everywhere. So it’s about competing with the best players in the world now.”
He also spoke about the change in coach at Liverpool and how it’s affected him:
“It’s been good. The gaffer at Liverpool has really been helpful. And all the coaching staff as well – I can’t speak highly enough of them. But I’m enjoying it. I’m playing left-wing, right wing as well. So it’s given me another tool to destroy defenders.”
Tear it up, Rio.
