Mount is ready for ‘unreal’ chance
MASON LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘MASSIVE’ TESTS AGAINST CROATIA AND SPAIN
MASON Mount says it will be an “unreal experience” if he is handed his England debut tonight.
The Derby County midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, is in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad for the first time.
Southgate’s men are in UEFA Nations League action this evening, when they take on Croatia in Rijeka (7.45pm) - in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
Unusually, the match is being played behind closed doors due to sanctions imposed by UEFA against the Croatian Football Federation.
“It’s something I’ve never experienced before, playing in front of nobody, except maybe under-18 games,” said Mount.
“It’ll be an unreal experience playing in front of no fans in such a big international game.
“It’s obviously such a dream to be involved in an England senior team - I have no words to describe how I’d feel if I got on.”
On Monday, England face Spain in Seville, also in the Nations League, making it two tough away tests for the Three Lions.
Should Mount figure against Croatia, he is likely to find himself up against arguably one of the most coveted midfields in world football, featuring Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic.
While Spain can no longer turn to midfielders such as Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Xavi - all retired from international football - they do have formidable midfield options in Marco Arsensio, Saul Niguez and Thiago.
“It is a massive test,” said 19-yearold Mount. “These are two of the best teams in the world and we want to be up there as well. That’s what we’re striving to do.
“It’s two teams that have done well at top tournaments, so to be up against them, for me being in the senior team for the first time, to be up against players of their calibre, it’ll be an unreal experience.”
Mount believes he can learn a lot from the players he could be facing over the next few days.
“Watching the game as a young kid, I always remember watching Modric at Tottenham in the Premier League,” he said.
“I watched him a lot and they are all top, top players.
“When I watch these players, I look at how they move, their movement off the ball and how quick they play.
“They are always one step ahead and I think at this international level, it’s so high and it’s so quick, you’ve got to be ready for that.
“That’s what I look at - how quick they are, with the ball and without the ball, and how they are moving.”
“You always want to test yourself against the best, so I’m obviously looking forward to it.”