Gareth Southgate has no doubt that Mason Mount deserves his call-up to the England squad.
Mount has impressed for Chelsea so far this season, having been promoted to the first team by new Blues boss Frank Lampard.
He was previously included in a squad by England boss Southgate and is now very much in contention to play after showing his class for Lampard’s side.
“Mason is in on merit. He looks like threatening the goal every time he plays. I’ve watched him since 16 playing through the various age groups,” Southgate told a news conference, as reported by the BBC.
“He’s not in based on three games this season, he’s in on the back after a successful year in the Eredivisie, a year at Derby and he’s improved at every level he’s played at.”
Mount was included along with Chelsea team-mate Ross Barkley. But Blues striker Tammy Abraham, who had been tipped for a call-up, was not included by Southgate.
There was no place either for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, who has not played yet this season but is close to returning to action.
“Dele might be fit but we cannot pick him not knowing if he is ready to play a full 90 minutes, so I think we should give him time to get fit,” Southgate explained.
Spurs trio Harry Kane, Danny Rose and Harry Winks were named in the squad, as was West Ham’s Declan Rice.