'This is England' – Watford icon tips Liverpool kid Ngumoha to make 2026 World Cup squad

Watford legend Troy Deeney has tipped Liverpool's teenage forward Rio Ngumoha to earn a place in England's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ngumoha, who moved to Anfield from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, rose to prominence during Liverpool's preseason after netting three goals against Stoke City, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Atletico Madrid.

The 17-year-old carried that form into the campaign, scoring the decisive goal in a 3-2 win over Newcastle United at St. James' Park.

In an interview with talkSPORT, Deeney tipped the youngster to follow in the footsteps of Theo Walcott by breaking into the Three Lions' World Cup team at a young age.

"This is England. We always do something stupid, don't we?" Deeney said. 

"It's like when we took Theo Walcott [to the 2006 World Cup at 17], because he was a young kid and he was rapid. And obviously Theo went on to have a great career."

He further outlined the criteria for the young forward's inclusion at the global tournament, noting that scoring around eight goals this season might secure him a spot at the showpiece.

"But who knows. If Rio keeps playing and being involved like he is now, and scores seven or eight goals, he could probably go. There's a few [players] like that, that you'd have to just watch and see."

Ngumoha, who was born in England, has featured for the country at various youth levels but is yet to make his senior debut.

The winger also remains eligible to represent Nigeria, who are looking to reignite their qualification campaign with crucial victories against Rwanda and South Africa.

Currently sitting fourth in Group C, six points adrift of leaders South Africa, the Super Eagles must secure wins in the upcoming qualifiers to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico alive.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: liverpoolfc.com 

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