Ex-Chelsea striker Chris Sutton believes Mason Mount will have to show why he deserves a place in England’s World Cup squad following a difficult start to the season at club level.

The likes of Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho and Leicester’s James Maddison have been in much better form than Mount, and Sutton says there is a danger that the Chelsea midfielder could lose his position in the national team if he doesn’t step up his performances:

“There have to be questions over the Chelsea man’s position in the team with his performances this season, and with so much talent going forward he can’t rest on his laurels. It’s a big week for Mount and Jarrod Bowen, with the likes of James Maddison, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho all in far superior club form but not in this squad. Southgate always seems to find a place for Mount in his team but he’s not daft, he knows that it all comes down to winning the World Cup.”

You only have to look at Mount’s numbers this campaign to see that he is struggling. 0 goals and just one assist in eight appearances doesn’t make for good reading.

As Sutton mentions, the 23-year-old is seemingly a favourite of England manager Gareth Southgate, despite being way below his best but, if he doesn’t start making more goal contributions soon, he may yet lose his place in the international setup and (possibly) in Chelsea’s starting lineup too.