Rio Ngumoha was eligible for selection for the England U17s squad for next month’s World Cup in Qatar – but Liverpool have avoided losing their winger for a key period.
England U17s head coach Neil Ryan named his squad for the U17 World Cup on Tuesday, with no Liverpool players included in his 21-man selection.
That is despite a number of players being eligible including Ngumoha, who was still part of the England U17s squad as recently as May.
He made two appearances as the Young Lions failed to progress beyond the group stage of the summer’s U17 Euros, but having finished among the tournament’s top 11 teams it earned their qualification to a 48-nation World Cup.
But after being promoted to the U18s in September and swiftly stepping up to the U19s squad, Ryan opted not to recall Liverpool’s No. 73.
It is certainly a boost to the Premier League champions as the tournament kicks off on November 3 and runs to November 27, with England currently guaranteed to remain in Qatar until at least November 10.
Ngumoha has not featured for Arne Slot‘s side since coming off the bench in the 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace on September 27 but that is likely to change in the coming weeks.
Liverpool are one game into a run of seven in just 22 days, including the Carabao Cup fourth round clash at home to Palace which could see the 17-year-old make another start.
The likes of Joe Bradshaw, Josh Abe, La’more Lee Forrester and Erik Farkas were also eligible for the England U17s but Ryan has selected from the wider group called up for an U18s training camp earlier this month.
That includes winger Ryan McAidoo, who attracted interest from Liverpool prior to his move from Chelsea to Man City last year, as well as Reigan Heskey, son of former Reds striker Emile Heskey.
England will play Venezuela (Nov 4), Haiti (Nov 7) and Egypt (Nov 10) in Group E and will be considered favourites to progress to the round of 32.
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