England’s struggles in front of goal continued as Panama frustrated the Three Lions in their final group game at the World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel missing one potential game-changer from Liverpool
England boss Thomas Tuchel has been told he missed out picking a ‘game-changing’ Liverpool star(Image: Getty Images)
England boss Thomas Tuchel has been told he could have had a game-changer on his hands at the World Cup if he had selected Rio Ngumoha, with the Three Lions producing a dour first-half display against Panama.
The Liverpool teenager was called up to England’s squad for its training camp ahead of the tournament, and impressed as he made his debut against New Zealand. He won the player of the match award in that game before going on to score in a behind-closed-doors game against Miami FC.
Having not been included in Tuchel’s initial 55-man squad though, Ngumoha was ineligible for a late call-up for the World Cup, which England’s manager may now end up regretting.
After beating Croatia 4-2 in their opening game, the Three Lions were held to a dour goalless draw against Ghana. They were guaranteed a place in the knockout stages heading into their final group game against Panama, although they continued to struggle offensively against their much weaker opponents as they went in goalless at half-time.
And former Liverpool star Vladimir Smicer feels Ngumoha could have made a big difference had Tuchel gambled on selecting him for the tournament.
“Rio Ngumoha looks very good,” Smicer told Casinostugan. “I saw the highlights of the game and that’s how he played for us this season. He had great moments.
Rio Ngumoha was part of England’s squad ahead of the World Cup but wasn’t selected for the tournament(Image: Getty Images)
“Of course sometimes it was difficult when he started, as he’s still young and needs to learn, but sometimes as a sub for England at the World Cup he could change the game.
“If you look at the England line-up, the strikers they have for the World Cup have more experience in the Premier League and for the national team. So that’s why it was a tough decision. But I like the idea that they are preparing with the squad and taking this pre-season before the World Cup.
“They are able to train with young players like Rio. It’s a good experience and he’s still young.
“He will play in future World Cups, don’t worry. If he improves his career as he is at the moment, he won’t miss the next World Cup if things go right.”
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Ngumoha is likely to take on a bigger role for Liverpool next season after what has been a breakthrough campaign, having made 29 appearances for the Reds across all competitions.
Although Victor Munoz has been signed as Andoni Iraola’s first transfer, and the pursuit of Yan Diomande continues, Ngumoha is set to get more chances – although there are other teams now paying close attention to his development.
Bayern Munich approached Liverpool earlier this month in a move that left the Reds “baffled”. Ngumoha is not being put up for sale under any circumstances, despite suggestions that his brother had held talks with the German giants.
