Rio Ngumoha believes new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has already given him more ammunition to "destroy defenders" as he eyes a first England start. The 18-year-old winger is part of the Three Lions squad for their forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches, the first of which is against World champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday.
Early season impact at Liverpool
Ngumoha has made five appearances - three as a starter - for Liverpool this season, and last term took until January to reach the 232 minutes of playing time he has already accrued this time around. With heavy competition for the wide roles in the Reds squad, Ngumoha has featured on both flanks for Iraola and is convinced that is making him a better player.
"The gaffer at Liverpool has really been helpful," he said. "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."
England ambitions and Tuchel praise
Ngumoha made his England debut in the second half of the World Cup warm-up friendly win over New Zealand in the United States in June. After the weekend he will have further opportunities with England away at Czechia on Tuesday and then in Croatia the following Saturday before a return home game against Czechia three days later.
"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," said Ngumoha. "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."
On England head coach Thomas Tuchel, Ngumoha added: "He's really helpful. And I think him picking me shows his belief in me, and how exciting and 'explosive' he thinks I am. All I can do now is just show him again why I should be here for the many more camps and why he thinks I should be a big part of the team and help the team."
Home Euros in sight
The next European Championships in 2028 will be held predominantly in England, with Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium hosting five games. Tuchel's side still have to qualify for the tournament, with matches beginning in March next year to determine the finalists.
Asked about the possibility of a home Euros, Ngumoha said: "I'd definitely like to be a part of the squad. I think if I just keep doing what I'm doing, whether it's with the national team or at club level, if I just keep showing who I am and how I play and keep getting goals and assists and helping the team win trophies, then definitely I'd like to be a part of the team and hopefully we can go all the way as well."
