Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha joins elite group with appearance in England's Nations League win over Czech Republic

By Ben Sully | 30 Sep 2026 00:07, Last updated: 30 Sep 2026 01:51

Ngumoha joins elite group with appearance in England's win over Czech Republic

Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha became the third-youngest player to represent England in a competitive game in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Czech Republic.

Ngumoha made his debut as a 17-year-old in June's World Cup warm-up game against New Zealand, but he has had to wait for his second international appearance.

The winger was not included in the main squad for the tournament and was omitted from the matchday squad for Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley.

However, he was included among the substitutes for Tuesday's Nations League clash against the Czech Republic in Prague.

Ngumoha joins Bellingham, Rooney in elite group

The exciting attacker was introduced in the 71st minute, replacing Bukayo Saka on the right of England's attack.

As a result of his introduction, Ngumoha, who looked bright in his cameo appearance, became the third-youngest player to make a competitive appearance for England at the age of 18 years and 31 days.

Only Jude Bellingham and Wayne Rooney were younger when they made their first competitive bows for the Three Lions.

At the age of 17 and 269 days, Bellingham appeared as a half-time substitute in a 5-0 thrashing of San Marino in World Cup qualifying in March 2023.

Rooney, meanwhile, was 17 years and 156 days old when he featured as a late substitute in a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein in European Championship qualifying in February 2003.