England’s under-17 squad announcement for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar has set off a flurry of discussion among Liverpool fans and football followers across the country. With the tournament set to kick off on November 3, 2025, and running through November 27, the anticipation is palpable. But the biggest surprise? Liverpool’s teenage prodigy Rio Ngumoha, despite being eligible, has not been included in Neil Ryan’s 21-player squad for the prestigious youth competition. Instead, Ngumoha’s remarkable rise through the ranks has propelled him into more senior roles, both for club and country, and his absence from the U17s may be more a testament to his progress than a snub.
The first-ever 48-team edition of the FIFA U17 World Cup will unfold across the Aspire Zone complex in Doha, with the grand finale set for the Khalifa International Stadium. England finds itself in Group E, drawn alongside Venezuela, Haiti, and Egypt. Their journey begins with a clash against Venezuela on November 4. The squad, meticulously selected by Neil Ryan, reflects a mix of experience and emerging talent, but it’s the omission of Ngumoha that’s capturing headlines.
Ngumoha, just 17, has been making waves in English football circles. Earlier this year, he featured for England’s U17s at the European Championship in Albania, starting matches against Belgium and Italy and even registering an assist in the latter. England, however, failed to progress beyond the group stage—a disappointment that spurred change within the youth setup. Since that May tournament, Ngumoha’s trajectory has been meteoric. By September, he had not only earned a call-up to the U18s but was swiftly promoted to the U19s, a rare feat for someone his age.
His U19 debut came on September 3, 2025, in a 2-0 victory over Ukraine, where he started alongside fellow Liverpool talent Trey Nyoni. This rapid ascent through the England youth system signals a player operating beyond his years. According to sources, manager Neil Ryan’s decision not to recall Ngumoha for the U17 World Cup is less about oversight and more about recognizing that the young winger has “simply outgrown the U17 level.” For Liverpool, this is a significant development, especially given the club’s jam-packed fixture list over the coming weeks.
Ngumoha’s impact at club level has been just as impressive. Integrated into Liverpool’s first-team squad by manager Arne Slot, he has already made five senior appearances in the 2025-26 season. His Premier League debut was nothing short of dramatic—coming off the bench to score a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United, a moment that instantly endeared him to the Anfield faithful. Such performances have made it increasingly clear that his development is best served in more challenging environments, both domestically and internationally.
While England’s U17 squad will remain in Qatar at least until November 10, and potentially as late as November 27 should they reach the final, Liverpool faces a daunting run of seven matches in just 22 days. This includes a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Crystal Palace, where Ngumoha could be in line for another start after impressing in the previous round against Southampton. For Liverpool, the absence of international duty for Ngumoha during this period is a welcome boost, allowing the club to utilize his talents during a critical stretch of the campaign.
As Liverpool navigates this challenging schedule, another youth story is unfolding within the club’s ranks. With first-choice goalkeeper Alisson sidelined due to a hamstring injury—he isn’t expected back until after the November international break—Liverpool has called up 18-year-old Kornel Misciur to their Champions League squad for the trip to Eintracht Frankfurt. The Brazilian’s absence has seen Giorgi Mamardashvili step up as the starting goalkeeper, with Freddie Woodman taking a place on the bench. Misciur, meanwhile, travels as the third-choice keeper, a testament to both necessity and the club’s faith in its academy products.
Misciur, who was signed from Hull in 2023, was a regular presence around Jurgen Klopp’s squad during the 2023-24 season. Despite being just 18, he’s already experienced the highs and lows of life as a young goalkeeper at a top Premier League club. This season, however, he has seen his opportunities at the under-21 level diminish, with Bailey Hall now the preferred option for that age group and featuring in the UEFA Youth League under-19 matches. Misciur has yet to feature for Rob Page’s under-21s this season and has made only three appearances for the under-18s. Nevertheless, his inclusion in the Champions League squad for the Frankfurt trip underscores his continued importance to the first-team setup, especially with the risk of late injuries always looming in matchday preparations.
UEFA’s rules allow for the temporary replacement of a goalkeeper in the event of a long-term injury or illness—defined as at least 30 days—but Liverpool has chosen not to pursue this option for Alisson. Instead, the club is relying on its depth, with Misciur and Woodman providing backup to Mamardashvili. Another potential option, 22-year-old Polish goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek, was not called up for this particular match.
Liverpool’s traveling squad for the crucial Champions League fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt, announced on October 21, 2025, includes a blend of experience and youth. Alongside goalkeepers Mamardashvili, Woodman, and Misciur, the defensive line features stalwarts like Van Dijk and Robertson, while the midfield boasts the talents of Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Mac Allister. Up front, stars such as Salah, Isak, Ekitike, Gakpo, Chiesa, and the aforementioned Ngumoha provide plenty of attacking options for Arne Slot’s side.
It’s a period of both challenge and opportunity for Liverpool. The club’s reliance on its younger players, whether out of necessity due to injuries or as a reward for outstanding performances, is paying dividends. Ngumoha’s continued integration into the first team, coupled with Misciur’s elevation to the Champions League squad, highlights the strength and depth of Liverpool’s academy system. As the fixtures pile up and the stakes rise, these young talents could well be the difference-makers in the weeks ahead.
For England’s U17s, the journey in Qatar begins with high hopes and a squad eager to make its mark on the world stage. For Liverpool, the focus remains firmly on navigating a demanding schedule and maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions. With Ngumoha and Misciur poised to play pivotal roles, fans will be watching closely to see how these emerging stars shape the narrative of the season. The action is set, the stage is grand, and the next chapter in their stories is about to unfold.
