Super Eagles-eligible forward reacts after becoming fifth youngest player to make England debut

Super Eagles-eligible forward Rio Ngumoha made his senior debut for England on Saturday as the Three Lions defeated New Zealand 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly. 

The Liverpool wonderkid, who was named in England’s travelling squad to the United states as a training player, came off the bench at halftime, replacing Ollie Watkins.

In doing so, he became the fifth youngest player ever to debut for England’s men team, and the youngest since Jude Bellingham in November 2020, according to Opta.

At the age of 17 years and 281 days, the dual-national forward also became England’s  1,300th capped player.

Ngumoha was impressive on his debut, earning the official Player of the Match award.

Before his first cap for England, the 17-year-old represented the Young Lions at U15, U16, U17 and U19 levels.

The teenage attacker expressed his delight and gratitude following the landmark moment, sharing a brief message after his debut appearance.

“Thank you everyone. I am happy, speechless. I just want to say thank you and we will keep going,” Ngumoha stated in a video posted by the Football Association.

Ngumoha remains eligible to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles until he accumulates four England caps, one of which must be in a competitive match before turning 21.

Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri was an unused substitute against New Zealand.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel