Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has set his sights on winning the Ballon d'Or, saying he is inspired by Harry Kane after the Bayern Munich striker was crowned the world's best player.
The 18-year-old winger, who has won three senior caps for England, said Kane's achievement is a major boost for English football and has fuelled his own ambition to claim the prestigious honour.
Inspiration from the England captain
Ngumoha said: "Yeah, 100%, Harry Kane winning the Ballon d'Or is definitely a big, big thing, being known as the best player in the world."
"It's also helped English football now because everyone's seen one of us win the Ballon d'Or, it is definitely encouraging many more people to wanting to definitely be known as the best player in the world. For me, I would like to achieve it and I think I can do it."
The Three Lions captain, who is set to become England's most capped player at Wembley on Thursday, is already helping the younger players, according to Ngumoha.
"I haven't spoken to him much, really. When I first came, I was a bit shy, so I was keeping myself to myself, but then they got me in the group, and just watching him train, watching all the players train, but especially him, like the finishing drills that you see," Ngumoha said.
Potential start against Croatia
"You can see why he won it and why he's known as the best striker, best player in the world. Definitely an inspiration to me, but just to every young player and probably every England player as well. He's a top guy."
With Bukayo Saka out injured, Ngumoha could be in line to start against Croatia on Thursday. He said: "Hopefully. I think you know I'm competing with the best players in the world, so it's not going to be easy."
"But yeah, just if I can show myself in training and if the manager gives like faith and believes in me, then yeah, I'd love to start. But obviously, it's difficult, and yeah, I just keep just keep going really."
