Former Barcelona and England ace Gary Lineker believes Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount should be one of Gareth Southgate’s first names on the Three Lions’ team sheet. The Blues’ academy ace was instrumental as Thomas Tuchel’s side’s cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough.
Mount assisted both of Chelsea’s goals against the Championship side, whipping in a sumptuous cross for Romelu Lukaku to tap in, before carrying the ball and laying it off for Hakim Ziyech to thump into the far corner. His brace of assists means he has now contributed eight goals and 12 assists for the Blues in 41 appearances in all competitions.
His impressive display followed his brilliant cameo from the bench in Chelsea’s 2-1 away victory over Lille in the Champions League, where he provided the cross for Cesar Azpilicueta to bundle in the winning goal for the west Londoners. And Lineker believes the 23-year-old has likely cemented a position for himself in Southgate’s first choice England eleven.
"He (Mount) was obviously hugely influential in both the goals. Fabulous young footballer, so consistent. He'll probably be one of the first names on Gareth Southgate’s team sheet,” Lineker said after Chelsea’s victory over Chris Wilder’s side.
Tuchel’s reversion to a 4-3-3 formation rather than his preferred 3-4-3 formation saw the German deploy the England international in a slightly different role. Mount started on the right-hand side of a three man midfield, where he was able to stretch the Middlesbrough midfield with his darting runs from deep.
And Lineker’s former England teammate Alan Shearer also earmarked the former Derby County and Vitesse Arnhem loanee for extra praise, after his dynamic display from the midfield. "He's very good. He knows when, where and how to make those runs,” Shearer added.
Where does Mason Mount rank amongst Gareth Southgate's best England midfielders? Let us know in the comments
“He was a step ahead of everyone. That is what makes him a special talent,” Shearer added. He's got the picture in his head already.
“We are very lucky that he's in our [England] team and will be for many years. He’s always dictating play, he always wants to give and go, get on the end of it.
“He’s very difficult to pick up and mark because he’s always on the move. He’s comfortable with receiving the ball and comfortable running with it as well.”
Mount has amassed 26 senior appearances for England ever since he made his Three Lions debut in a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in 2019. He also made five appearances in the recent European Championships, playing a huge role in England’s first run to a major final since 1966.
He has once again been selected by Southgate for England’s upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. The clash against Switzerland will be England’s first international match since they ensured qualification for the 2022 World Cup with a 10-0 demolition away to San Marino.
The Three Lions will take on Switzerland on the 26 th March, while their contest against the Ivory Coast will swiftly follow on the 29 th . Mount will likely play a significant role in both contests as Southgate looks to figure out his preferred midfield.
