WARNING SHOT

Mount had double jab after Covid scare with Scotland star Gilmour

MASON MOUNT revealed yesterday that he has been double-jabbed — and says his mind was made up after he was caught out by Covid rules during Euro 2020.

The midfielder was forced into isolation along with Chelsea and England team-mate Ben Chilwell after they were deemed to be close contacts of Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who tested positive after the 0-0 draw at Wembley in June.

Mount subsequently missed key games against the Czech Republic and Germany — and the experience is not something he wants to repeat. By having both jabs, the 22-year-old feels it will prevent circumstances proving costly again.

‘I’m double-vaccinated now,’ said Mount, who will line up for England in tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Hungary at Wembley. ‘Going through that experience, missing the games — and a top, top game — kind of did have an effect on my decision.’

It was revealed yesterday that 94 per cent of Bundesliga players have been double-jabbed and Mount said: ‘I think for players, it is down to how they feel about it. I don’t think you can force anyone to get it. But, for me, going through that experience, it did make me want to get it — and get it quite quickly.’

Mount (below) featured last week among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, which recognised his growing influence and everything he has achieved over the last year, including appearances in two showpiece finals.

There were questions at the beginning of the campaign about whether he was playing at full pelt or if there was any lingering effect from a draining summer, which ended in heartbreak for Gareth Southgate’s squad when they lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. In recent weeks, the sharpness has returned and he insists he has not been suffering a hangover from the tournament.

‘After an experience like that and how far we got, it does take some time to get over it and reflect,’ said Mount, who won the Champions League with Chelsea last season. ‘But as soon as the next season starts, that’s behind you.

‘Maybe physically there can still be a toll, even though you’ve had a break.

‘So it’s natural that happens and after playing many games in the normal season, then to go to the Euros and play games, and then after a short break go straight into pre-season, it can take a toll. Maybe I’ve felt that a bit this season.

‘I missed a week with a little injury at Chelsea but to get back and be in the England squad, that little break makes you feel more energetic and gives you that little boost.’

Meanwhile, Southgate has warned his England stars they must ‘evolve’ after their Euro 2020 heartbreak if they are to end 56 years of hurt at next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

After the defeat to Italy in the summer, he has told his players they need to up their game as they look ahead to Qatar. England will be on the cusp of qualification with a win over Hungary tonight.

‘What got us to the final of the Euros won’t be enough,’ said Southgate. ‘We want to keep evolving. We wanted to evolve after the last World Cup. Same after the Nations League. Now we want to do the same post-Euros.’ Kick-off: 7.45pm, Wembley. TV & radio: LIVE on ITV from 7.15pm

and BBC 5 Live.