Rio Ngumoha will not be in England's matchday squad for the Nations League opener against Spain on Saturday. The 18-year-old Liverpool forward was among 24 players who trained with the squad, but UEFA rules require one player to be cut to meet the 23-man limit for the game.
Spain, the reigning world and European champions, travel to Wembley in formidable form.
Ngumoha, who made his senior England debut in a friendly against New Zealand, expressed his gratitude towards manager Thomas Tuchel. "I don’t even know what to say about the manager, Thomas," the teenager said. "He’s really helpful, and I think him picking me shows his belief in me and how exciting and explosive he thinks I am."
The winger, who became the youngest player to start a first-team match for Liverpool, has made three league appearances this season. His omission for the Wembley fixture is a direct result of the regulations, not his performance. Following this match, Spain's focus will shift to their next fixture, a home game against Croatia on Tuesday, 29 September, which is listed on our fixtures page.
The original report is at BBC Sport Football
