Mason Mount will make his 62nd appearance of the season against Italy at Molineux as England look for their first win in this League of Nations campaign.
The Chelsea midfielder proved to be key for Thomas Tuchel this season as he amassed more goal-scoring contributions than anyone at Stamford Bridge with 13 attacks and 16 assists. Mount proved to be the key for Gareth Southgate with the ability to play in midfield, as number 10 or as part of a three-point attack in support of Harry Kane.
On this occasion, the striker has rested when Tammy Abraham begins, but the Three Lions persist with Mount after the most intense season of his career, having played in six different club football competitions in addition to the international agenda. . The Cobham product started with the defeat to Hungary and the draw with Germany, but failed to turn the pitch, and some believed that there were signs of fatigue from a long 2021/22 season.
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After selecting his squad, Southgate noted the strength in depth he has as a reason why James Maddison is not part of the group. Mount’s continued selection raises questions about this point, despite its versatility.
Southgate said: “He [Maddison] the season has ended very well. He’s obviously scoring goals, but we just feel like we’re very happy with the players who have been with us. He’s competing with Mason Mount and Phil Foden and these kind of players in the role where he’s at his best.
“It’s one of those positions where there’s a lot of strength in depth and you may have to leave out players who may be just as deserving.”
Mount was replaced against Hungary and Germany after moderate displays. It is true that there is an argument that their struggles were both the result of the team’s performance and theirs, but it remains that a break could have been justified. With Kane’s absence suggesting that rest and rotation have been part of the head of England’s thinking, it seems fair to question Mount’s continued use, despite its qualities.
With just a month to go before Chelsea’s international stars are expected to join their team-mates on their pre-season tour of the US and Tuchel and his staff will be praying for a renewed match with another match. of England v. Hungary. after the feats of Saturday night. Injuries to Romelu Lukaku and N’Golo Kante as an international have already left the Blues unharmed.
Reece James makes his first outing of this international phase as the players begin who have enjoyed some development with the Blues, Fikayo Tomori, Declan Rice and Tammy Abraham.
England XI: Ramsdale; James, Maguire, Tomori, Trippier; Rice, Ward-Prowse; Sterling, Grealish, Mount; Abraham.
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