Mason Mount has said England have become more tactically flexible and the Chelsea midfielder believes he is capable of playing in a deeper role for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Mount has played in a variety of positions at international level. He has impressed as a No 10 for club and country but also caught the eye when he started as part of a two in central midfield in England’s recent wins against Iceland and the Republic of Ireland.
England, who are expected to switch from a back three to a 4-3-3 system when they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against San Marino on Thursday, were more creative after a series of cautious performances.
Southgate, however, is worried about being too open against stronger teams and Mount accepts he needs to work on the defensive side of his game.
“I am always trying to improve,” the 22-year-old said. “I feel like I am versatile and can play in a deeper role and obviously in a more forward role. I’m always learning. I’m still young and I’m still learning.
“In terms of the formation, we are versatile as a team. In the modern game, you have to be ready to change if the other team are tactically different to what you have prepared for. We are ready for that definitely. I feel like I can play in any position and I just want to understand, more and more, different positions.”
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Mount, who has scored eight goals this season, is relishing the competition from Jack Grealish and Phil Foden in attacking midfield. “There are so many good players in this team. I’ve seen Jack and Phil do brilliant things. It motivates me to want to do the same. We all have ambitions to win major trophies, at England and at club level we’re all competing to want to do that.
“But when we join England we’re together. We’re very close as a group, we’re like family, so that’s the winning formula, especially major tournaments when you’re away with each other for a long time.”
Mount, who scored England’s winner against Belgium last October, has captained Chelsea twice this season and dreams of leading his country out one day. “It’s always going to be a goal of mine. It’s such an honour to play. I’m continuing to learn more about being a captain and the leader. There’s so many players who I can take tips from. It’s unbelievable to be with these experienced players.”