Mount makes World Cup decision on Chelsea future as Juventus and Liverpool target the English international.
Mason Mount insists that as he competes to earn a spot in the England team for their World Cup opening, he won’t be distracted by concerns about his future.
The 23-year-old midfielder’s Chelsea contract is about to expire, and discussion for a new have so far been stalled until after the tournament in Qatar.
There has been no evidence of progress in his negotiations with Chelsea, while Liverpool and Juventus are monitoring his situation.
However, Mount says that he is just concerned with the World Cup as he strives to make the starting lineup for Monday’s Group B match against Iran.
At Euro 2020, Mount started five of England’s seven games, but he may not start in Qatar.
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Despite his struggles for Chelsea, Raheem Sterling will be in the sqaurd against Iran, while Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and James Maddison have all been outstanding this year. Behind Harry Kane, there are also options like Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.
Mount has told Gareth Southgate that he wants to be a “leader who steps up in the big games”.
“I have always been so focused on my football since I was in the academy,” Mount said, amid the speculation over his future. “I know now there is a lot more media focus on me, but I do not look too much into that. I block it out.”
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Mount didn’t start either of the two Nations League games in September against Italy or Germany, but Southgate lauded him for his contribution off the bench in the latter when he scored in a 3-3 draw at Wembley.
“We are a very together group where everyone knows their role,” he said. “You also have leaders who step up in the big games and, as a player, that is always something I want to do and what I want to be. I want to lead and play a big part. But we are all together in this tournament. If you start or don’t start, you want to come on and have an impact, be good around the boys.”
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There is pressure on England to improve upon their semi-final and final finishes at the 2018 World Cup and the Euro 2020.
Expectations are high as they enter the tournament following a stretch of six games without a win, and Mount says the team wants to go all the way and “make the country proud.”
“We know what we can do as a group,” he said. “At a World Cup anything can happen. Our goal is to go one more step, win it and make the country proud.”
