Ngumoha left speechless after Bellingham’s comments in England dressing room
Rio Ngumoha enjoyed his moment in the sun as the teenager was presented with his first England cap by Jude Bellingham following his Three Lions debut
Rio Ngumoha admits he was left speechless after being handed his first England cap by Jude Bellingham – who said “I know there’ll be so many more”.
The Liverpool star came off the bench at half-time to make his Three Lions debut as his meteoric rise continued. The win over New Zealand marked his first run out for his country and Bellingham was the man to share the iconic moment after full-time.
A clip has been posted on social media of the Real Madrid star presenting Ngumoha with the award as the pair shared the memorable moment in the dressing room.
Bellingham said: “Congratulations on an amazing debut. I think we all enjoyed watching it, and obviously you’re going to have a really bright future at your club and hopefully with us as well. It’s a pleasure to give it [the cap] to you because I know there’ll be so many more. So, congratulations.”
A shy Ngumoha then replies: “Thank you everyone. I’m happy. I’m speechless! I just want to say thank you. We keep going!”
Ngumoha made 29 appearances for the Reds last season but is not in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, nor was he expected to be. But the winger has been called up for the pre-tournament friendlies to boost numbers as Tuchel hands a host of young stars the chance to be in an around the team.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, who are perhaps unlucky to miss out on the squad, Fulham midfielder Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille from Arsenal, are also part of the group.
Ngumoha has certainly made an impression on those in the England camp. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford told the Press Association: “He was quality, nothing fazed him. He’s had a really good season at Liverpool and the manager gave him his debut and he showed how good he is.”
The winger’s breakout moment came back in August when he scored a stoppage time winner to down Newcastle at St James’ Park. He’s continued to impress and now Liverpool could have a fight on their hands to retain him with Bayern Munich making him one of their main summer targets.
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