Reports have claimed that Chelsea’s Mason Mount will start for England in their World Cup opener against Iran later today.
According to The Sun, the 23-year-old has been preferred to the likes of Phil Foden, while James Maddison will not be available due to injury.
Mount will be hoping to get England off to the perfect start, as they look to start their tournament off in style.
There have been calls from a number of pundits for the Chelsea man to not start the game, given a mix of his questionable form this season and an embarrassment of riches at Gareth Southgate’s disposal.
Despite a mini-revival in form under Graham Potter, it has been a tough few weeks for Mount.
Nevertheless, The Sun have claimed he will be set for a confidence boost today, with him poised to be part of the starting 11 to take on Iran.
Mount to start for England
The report goes on to say that he will start alongside Chelsea teammate Raheem Sterling.
While Mount has won some of the biggest honours in the game, some of his recent comments have suggested that he may see the international game a step above.
He said in an interview that he would bury his shirt if England were victorious in Qatar, never to see it again.
Chelsea fans may also have one eye on his ongoing contract situation at Stamford Bridge.
Reports before the tournament have stated that talks between Chelsea and the 23-year-old have stalled.
This has seemingly alerted some of Europe’s big dogs. Liverpool and Juventus are reportedly interested in his services.
Until after the tournament though, Blues supporters cannot expect their star man to be thinking about new contracts, with his sole focus on bringing the World Cup home to England.