Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, 18, has credited football as his "top escape route" from a tough upbringing in East London, and says his brother James and mum Liz have been central to his rise to England's senior set-up.
Ngumoha, one of English football's most highly rated prospects, has already broken into the senior squad, travelled to the United States for a pre-tournament training camp, and caught the eye of head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Family support behind the rise
James acts as Ngumoha's mentor, agent and best friend, while Liz gave up her job at a school to move to Liverpool to support his development. Ngumoha described the move as the hardest thing for his mother, who "does everything for me and my brother."
London-born Ngumoha said he visualised playing for England as a child and now his dreams are coming true. He told the Mirror: "Yeah, 100 percent because I feel like if you don't visualise anything or you don't dream big enough, then you might not ever achieve it. So I think just having the belief and the force in your mind thinking, one day I can play for England."
Growing up in Manor Park
Ngumoha acknowledged the challenges of growing up in Manor Park, Newham, calling it "a tough area." He said his friends and family kept him away from trouble and that football provided an escape.
"I had football, which is a top, top escape route for any things such as like crime and stuff," he said. "My brother is tough, sometimes. I definitely needed that when I was younger."
Pathway to Liverpool
After spells at West Ham and Arsenal, Ngumoha joined Chelsea at age eight before making the decision to sign for Liverpool in 2024, citing a clearer pathway to the first team. He said the move was a "no-brainer" and is already paying off, with Liverpool fans describing him as a firm favourite.
During the summer, Ngumoha scored a "worldie" in a behind-closed-doors game and played against New Zealand in a friendly. Although he was not on England's long list and could not be promoted to the World Cup squad, he said this took the pressure off and allowed him to play his natural game.
"I feel like I'm quite fearless," he said. "I knew before going to the camp that I couldn't go to the World Cup anyway... I just chose the pre-camp at the World Cup to just prove myself and just to be free and play with some expression. I did that and I made a good impression, so I just want to keep up the impression."
