Jordan Pickford Praises Rio Ngumoha After England Win

Jordan Pickford praised Rio Ngumoha after England's 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand in Tampa. Ngumoha became England's fifth‑youngest debutant. The 17‑year‑old Liverpool midfielder featured with right wingers Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke absent. Pickford said, “He was quality, nothing fazed him.” Pickford added that Ngumoha’s season at Liverpool earned him the debut. He called the academies and pathway a credit for the talent in English football. Training‑group players Josh King, Ethan Nwaneri and 22‑year‑old Alex Scott are also targeting England debuts in the upcoming friendly against Costa Rica. Manager Thomas Tuchel will use the Costa Rica match to fine‑tune the squad before the Group L World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17. Pickford reflected on his own career, noting he has started every World Cup and will be number one in the next tournament. He said, “Every squad evolves.” After the New Zealand win the England team returned to its West Palm Beach base before heading to Kansas City for the final preparation block.