Derby star Mason Mount challenged by Frank Lampard to beat his 106 England caps
Youngster has been called up for Spain and Croatia clashes as he credits Lampard with whirlwind success
FRANK LAMPARD challenged England kid Mason Mount to beat his proud record of 106 caps after getting his first call-up.
Lamps, who persuaded Chelsea to let Mount join him on loan at Derby for the season, called the midfielder into his office last week after getting the nod from the FA.
The 19-year-old had already trained with the senior squad before the World Cup to gain experience but was shocked to be selected by Gareth Southgate for the Nations League ties with Croatia and Spain.
Mount said: “Frank’s obviously got over 100 caps so he said to see if I can break that — it was the first thing he said to me.
“He’s given me loads of advice and I’m trying to take it all in. It’s a long season so I’m going to learn so much off him.
“I actually found out before he pulled me into the office. He was sitting in there with assistant manager Jody Morris and he was asking me about the Norwich game on Wednesday.
“Then he said he was looking to drop me for the next game and maybe give me a rest. He dropped that first but then he smiled and said ‘No, I’ve just spoken to Gareth, you’ve been selected for the seniors’.”
Mount’s attitude is spot on, always willing to listen to the voice of experience as he works his way into the pro game.
It was not so long ago he was walking around the streets wearing a No 8 shirt with LAMPARD printed on it.
Now he is playing under him at Pride Park, soaking up the knowledge from one of the best midfielders of the modern generation.
Mount added: “As a kid, I looked up to players like Frank, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham.
“It is a very surreal moment coming into the senior squad. Obviously, having a taste of it before the World Cup and training with the squad but it has been good.”
He has one of his own now, trying on the England kit for size during a fitting in the futsal hall at St George’s Park this week.
Despite his delicate frame, Southgate likes the constitution of the midfielder.
It is all coming so fast for the midfielder, taking his chance with Derby after realising there was no chance of making headway under Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge this season.
Mount said: “I needed to keep playing as many games as I can, that was my goal this season.
“Maybe the opportunity at Chelsea wasn’t there so I had to get out on loan and with the gaffer and Jody there, there was an opportunity for me to play.
“That was the decision I made at that time. Being chosen for the England senior team was a surprise for me as I’m playing in the Championship. Just playing games was the goal for me.”