Frank Lampard believes Mason Mount showed in England’s European Championship win against Croatia that he is a must-pick in midfield.
Former Chelsea boss Lampard, who took Mount to Derby on loan and then gave him his chance in the Blues side, was speaking as a pundit on the BBC.
Mount was excellent in England’s 1-0 victory at Wembley and Lampard insisted the youngster’s work off the ball was just as important.
“I thought Mason’s performance all-round was absolutely class,” Lampard said.
“He’s the best attacking midfielder in terms of pressing from midfield to win the ball back.
“He knows the right moments to go (and press the opposition), he has the work ethic and he will run all day and give his everything.
“That’s why, when you’re playing that midfield, he has to play in this team.”
Meanwhile, there was disappointment for Mount’s Chelsea team-mate Ben Chilwell, who did not even get a place on the bench.
Left-back Chilwell was thought to be competing with Luke Shaw of Manchester United for a place in the side.
But boss Gareth Southgate caused a surprise by deploying Kieran Trippier, primarily a right-back, in the left-back role.
Southgate told the BBC: “With Kieran, we feel he is a very experienced player.
“His communication and leadership I think will be a help. We have got changes in the backline and I think his experience will help us with the two boys who are out of the squad, including Harry Maguire.
“It’s just unfortunate we can only name 23 but we have to cover the positions. I don’t like that we have to leave boys out of the squad for a major competition, it’s not fair on them.”
