Thomas Tuchel already planning for Euro 2028 with Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, 17, set to play starring role

THOMAS TUCHEL is already planning to take charge of England at the 2028 European Championships, with Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha set for a starring role. Tuchel, 52, is facing an inquest over his performance managing the Three Lions at the World Cup after England threw away a lead against Argentina in the semi-finals. Thomas Tuchel is already planning for the 2028 Euros Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And Rio Ngumoha could be handed a starring role after impressing in this summer’s pre-World Cup camp Credit: Getty Much of the blame for the defeat was laid at Tuchel’s feet for his perceived defensive substitutions, but he argued his subs were made when he realised the team on the pitch had lost the ability to try and keep the ball. Captain Harry Kane bemoaned a “missing piece” of the puzzle to get over the line, while Marc Guehi had also expressed his frustration at the team not going for it when it mattered most. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Regardless, England fans can still be proud of reaching only a fourth ever World Cup semi-final, with some memorable wins and moments along the way including the dramatic clash with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Tuchel is understood to have the full backing of FA chiefs, and according to The Telegraph is already planning for the next major tournament. The ex-Chelsea manager made a number of bold squad selections for his World Cup squad, and the same can be expected for the 2028 Euros being played on British soil. One such move is the expected inclusion of teenage winger Ngumoha. The 17-year-old was one of four players who were part of England’s pre-World Cup camp in Florida last month, and is said to have left Tuchel and his backroom staff impressed before winning a cap against New Zealand in a warm- up game that made him the 1,300th player to win an England cap. He also starred in an informal match against a local Miami team in Palm Beach. Most read in Sport Those performances reportedly saw the Reds winger given encouragement from both staff and senior players that he would be back in the squad in the future. The London-born wide player enjoyed a breakout year under Arne Slot at Anfield, being given his debut and scoring his first Liverpool goal in a dramatic 3-2 win away at Newcastle. He went on to sign a pro contract with the club in September before netting his first Anfield goal in April 2026 and breaking Raheem Sterling‘s record for the youngest player to do so at 17 years and 225 days old. But Ngumoha, who turns 18 on August 29, will be managed by ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola this season and will have big boots to fill following the departure of Mohamed Salah in the club’s attacking ranks. Iraola will take a look at the left winger during the pre-season tour of the United States, with a first game against Sunderland in Nashville to kick things off on July 25. Comment now