Rio Ngumoha could make England debut in US despite not being in World Cup squad
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRio NgumohaRio Ngumoha has been called up to the England squad for the World Cup, but the 17-year-old Liverpool winger will not be able to play in the tournament Rio Ngumoha could make his England debut(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)Rio Ngumoha will be unable to participate in the upcoming World Cup despite his unexpected inclusion in the England squad ahead of the tournament.Ngumoha is among several young players who travelled with the Three Lions to Miami on Monday, despite not being named by head coach Thomas Tuchel in the 26-man party for the finals.With the squad requiring reinforcement due to the late availability of Crystal Palace and Arsenal representatives following their European final commitments, the 17 year old Liverpool winger has been joined by Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Josh King of Fulham and Ethan Nwaneri, who spent the season on loan at Marseille from Arsenal.However, only Scott could be promoted to the World Cup squad in the event of injury, as unlike the remaining three players, he featured in the provisional 55-man squad submitted to FIFA last month.Tournament regulations stipulate that players must appear on that initial list to be elevated to the main squad, with sides permitted to make amendments for injury or illness up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.England kick off their Group L campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17.Once the tournament is under way, only goalkeepers may be replaced in cases of injury or illness. Brighton's Jason Steele has also made the trip with the England squad in the capacity of training goalkeeper.Ngumoha will nonetheless be eager to make his mark should he be handed a chance in England's two pre-tournament friendly fixtures against New Zealand on Saturday in Tampa and against Costa Rica next Wednesday in Orlando.Rio Ngumoha during a training session(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)However, this means Liverpool are guaranteed to go without a representative in an England squad at a major tournament for the first time since 1986.Speaking on the decision to call up the youngsters, Tuchel said: "We will take some young players out who will train with us and keep the squad at the size we need so we have all the possibilities for the two friendly matches to take care about the minutes and load of the players."I am happy that these guys are with us, especially Alex who was on the list of 55 and had a disappointing phone call as well that he didn't make the first cut."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Rio NgumohaEngland Football TeamLiverpool FC