Glenn Hoddle believes Mason Mount’s top-level experience gives the Chelsea youngster an advantage over Jack Grealish.
Aston Villa midfielder Grealish has been hugely impressive this season, leading to suggestions that he should be ahead of Mount in the running for an England place.
Manchester City’s Phil Foden is another young midfielder on the scene, giving England boss Gareth Southgate plenty of options.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, former Chelsea and England boss Hoddle said: “We have a few I think. James Maddison, Jack Grealish . . . Phil Foden could be the one who goes ahead of them once he is playing more and more. It comes back to that experience of playing.
“I think there are goals in Foden as well. Grealish has got good talent, Maddison has as well. Mason Mount, what he is doing ahead of say Grealish is playing Champions League football.
“There is a massive stepping stone between the Premier League and international football, and that is the Champions League. People like Mount and Foden will be getting that experience.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has hit back at suggestions of favouritism towards Mount, who has been a regular choice for his club despite the Blues’ other attacking options.
“I know that he has a lot to improve on, but he is a quality football player and is only going to get better,” Lampard said at a press conference on Monday.
“Any player doesn’t get favouritism, especially when there is competition in the squad.”
