Thomas Tuchel has backed Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha to become a 'decisive' player for England, comparing his potential impact to that of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
The Three Lions head coach made the comments ahead of England's 7-0 win over Croatia over the weekend, when asked about the nation's best attacking players now playing abroad.
Ngumoha, 18, made his international debut in a warm-up friendly against New Zealand, coming off the bench at half-time, before earning his first competitive cap in last week's 2-0 victory away at Czechia.
Tuchel's 'decisive' claim
Tuchel pointed to Ngumoha when asked whether England's top attackers were now based overseas, insisting Premier League players can still step up.
"I didn't think about it but yes, in the moment yes (there are a number of them playing abroad)," he said. "Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were decisive for us in the World Cup and I see no reason they won't be in the future.
"It's good that Anthony (Gordon) has stepped up now. He is the third one.
"There is obviously a relevance to them playing abroad, but I don't see that a player who plays in the Premier League cannot step up and be decisive for us.
"We have our youngest player in Rio Ngumoha – he seems to be pretty decisive. I think we have options."
Liverpool return and busy schedule
Ngumoha has made five appearances under new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola this season, competing for starting opportunities alongside Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz.
He will hope to win his third international cap when England face Czechia on Tuesday night, concluding the expanded September/October break.
He will then return to Liverpool as the Reds prepare for a run of nine games in 28 days, starting with a home match against Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield.
