'Got to be': Pundit calls for Chelsea player to be dropped at World Cup for final group game
ITV pundit Eni Aluko has called for Gareth Southgate to drop Mason Mount from the England squad for their final group game.
The Chelsea man faced the brunt of the criticism following his country’s 0-0 draw against USA on Friday.
Despite poor performances all over the pitch, the Blues man picked up a lot of the hate from a nation frustrated after the dominant display against Iran.
Mount’s impact in what is close to his favoured role in the group opener was acknowledged, despite him not being on the scoresheet in the 6-2 victory.
However, as soon as things have taken a turn the opposite way there have been questions over what he brings to the England side.
Calls for Mount to be dropped
Aluko has claimed that Southgate should look towards the inclusion of Phil Foden for the final group game against Wales, which would result in Mount dropping to the bench.
She said: “If you’re going to play Foden, you have to play him in that 10 role, so for me if there’s a player who’s going to come out it’s got to be Mason Mount.”
Based on where Foden has excelled for the majority of this season, he would likely be better off playing as one of the wingers England operate.
This could be at the expense of Raheem Sterling, who also didn’t escape criticism following the draw on Friday.
With England already practically being through, and facing a side with just one point from their two games, there may be an eye to rotation with a potential long tournament still to come.
Given the fact the side have looked tired towards the end of competitions in the last two efforts, resting some of their key players may be a key part of looking to go one step further this winter.
