Rio Ngumoha cannot play at World Cup if England need to make late replacement

Rio Ngumoha won't be playing at this summer's World Cup with Thomas Tuchel needing to call a replacement to his England squad.

The 17-year-old was the standout performer in England's 1-0 World Cup warm-up win over New Zealand, coming off the bench at half-time to scoop the man of the match.

In doing so, Ngumoha became the fifth-youngest player to represent England in history - behind only Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney, Jude Bellingham and 19th century full-back James Prinsep.

Ngumoha was one of four young players Thomas Tuchel brought to Florida alongside his 26-man World Cup squad with Alex Scott, Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri also getting the call-up primarily to make up the numbers while Arsenal's contingent arrived late following the Champions League final.

The Liverpool winger rounds off a breakout season having made 29 appearances for the Reds and earned a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination but won't be able to play any part in this summer's tournament.

FIFA rules allow squads to make changes ahead of a tournament but only up to 24 hours before a team's opening match in case of injury or sickness. Newcastle defender Tino Livramento is expected to miss the tournament through injury and as England haven't kicked off their campaign, Tuchel is able to call on a replacement.

However, the replacement player must be on a country's 55-man provisional squad list, meaning Ngumoha cannot step in as he was not included in the list despite impressing in the pre-World Cup friendlies.

The only player from England's warm-up squad eligible to be called up is Bournemouth's Scott — who was included in the provisional 55.

Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha

Tuchel made exactly that distinction when announcing the training group. "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," the England boss said. "His reaction was outstanding. It showed me his character."

Once the tournament gets underway, the rules get even tighter. From that point, only goalkeepers can be replaced.

Ngumoha's exclusion means Liverpool do not have a single player in the England squad for a major tournament for the first time since 1986.