The Daily Mirror has quotes from Gareth Southgate’s press conference today where he specifically talks about the young players in his squad, and those that could step up after this tournament – including Chelsea prospect Mason Mount.
“We know all of the young players,” Southgate said to the assembled media.
“Sessegnon, Sancho, Foden, Mount, there are some super young players coming through.”
As the Mirror notes, that could mean we’re just 6 months away from the likes of Mount being given a chance in the England squad. While England’s dearth of quality in the position will hurt us in this tournament, it does mean that the door is very much open for anyone to show they’re worthy of a place before Euro 2020.
Just as Ruben Loftus-Cheek just needed one solid Premier League loan to show he was up to playing at the top level, so Mason can do the same next season.
By the time 2020 comes around, he could have had a season in the Premier League with a mid table club, then a season at Chelsea establishing himself in the first team.
He could be an England starter at that point… but now we’re getting ahead of ourselves. He’s starring in the youth teams now. A step up to the U21s next season seems reasonable, then the seniors are just one stage away.
