Frank Lampard says Mason Mount is good enough for England now after Gareth Southgate scouting trip
Three Lions boss checked up on teenage Rams midfielder in Championship action last night and Lampard insists he is ready for the international call
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FRANK LAMPARD believes Mason Mount would be ready for England if Gareth Southgate picked him next month.
The Three Lions boss watched the Chelsea star – on loan at Derby – produce an outstanding performance against Blackburn at Pride Park last night.
Mount, 19, did everything but score in a 0-0 thriller – hitting the crossbar with an exceptional second-half free-kick – splitting open the Rovers defence several times and was a constant menace.
Asked if Mount would be ready to be selected for the squad to face Croatia and Spain next month in the European Nations League, Lampard said: “Mason Mount can do whatever he wants. He is that good.
“That’s not to say he will be an England starter next game or whatever That is Gareth’s choice.
“But whatever level you put Mason Mount in because of his quality, work ethic and mentality, he wants to get better and better.
“It’s my decision to play him every week at the moment and it’ll be Gareth’s decision if and when to pick him for the England team.”
Lampard’s dad Frank snr played alongside Trevor Brooking at West Ham, who played for England when the Hammers were in the second tier.
And Lampard said: “Playing in the second divison didn’t do Brooking any harm with England. West Ham won the FA Cup in the old second division too.”
Mount has been the standout player at the Rams this season.
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And Lampard added: “He’s a great example of the loan system working.
“Chelsea have a great young talent and part of his development is to come here. It helps us, it helps him and it helps Chelsea - and it’s a perfect example why it works well.”