Cole: Mount should still play in next England game

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Ashley Cole believes Mason Mount should play in England’s next match despite being unable to train with the squad in the build-up.

Mount and Ben Chilwell missed the Euro 2020 1-0 win against the Czech Republic because they are isolating after coming into close contact with their Chelsea team-mate Billy Gilmour after the recent game against Scotland.


Gilmour subsequently tested positive for Covid-19 and Scotland were without him for Tuesday’s defeat against Croatia.

Mount is due to be available for next week’s last-16 match but will not have been involved in the preparation.

But former Chelsea and England left-back Cole would nevertheless select him.

Speaking on ITV, Cole said: “Will Mason be ready, not training? I would still play him. I still think he has an impact.

“He presses. He’s aggressive. He wins you the ball back. It’s difficult to drop top players.”

With England likely to face one of France, Portugal or Germany, Cole feels Mount’s tenacity would be important.

Cole explained: “He’s proved (his importance) for Chelsea and I think he’s been very important for this England team in terms of trying to regain the ball.

“Against a team like, say Germany, they’re going to have more possession.

“It’s tough, but I would still go with the players I trust. I would still play him.”