Mason Mount earned the approval of Jack Grealish for his involvement in a goal during England’s World Cup training session.
The Three Lions’ cameras captured the interchange (6.25) in play and praise between the Chelsea and Manchester City players.
Grealish fizzed a ball into Mount, who managed to spin away from Kalvin Phillips and return the pass to its original holder.
Phil Foden then managed to slot his shot into the corner of the net, following a pull-back from his City teammate.
After the move concluded, Mount’s role was appreciated by several of those present on the pitch.
“Mason, brilliant mate,” was the call from one of the England coaches.
Grealish echoed this message, saying: “Mas, brilliant.”
Mount makes his case for World Cup start
Mount and the rest of the squad have been putting in the work ahead of their first World Cup game against Iran.
Qatar’s searing heat has certainly made for a challenging and different preparation schedule.
But based on the evidence of the latest England training video, it seems the players are staying sharp.
Mount and Grealish will be hoping their link up can persuade Gareth Southgate to start them in the opener.
They are both not yet guaranteed to be in the XI on Monday, despite being liked by the manager.
Southgate will reportedly deploy his favoured 3-4-3 formation in the group stage at least.
If this is the case, Mount and Grealish may have to compete for the remaining spot in the forward line.
Harry Kane will play through the middle, most likely flanked by another of Southgate’s trusted servants, Raheem Sterling.