‘Why not?’ – 36-cap star not picked for three years given shock hope of England World Cup spot

Mason Mount could make a sensational return to the England squad in time for the 2026 World Cup.

That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor, who has tipped the Manchester United man to force his way into Thomas Tuchel‘s plans after enjoying a resurgence this season.

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After an injury-ravaged first two years at Old Trafford, this term Mount has shaken off past setbacks and shown glimpses of the player that was signed in a £60million deal from Chelsea.

The 26-year-old starred in United’s 4-1 victory at Wolves on Monday night, getting on the scoresheet with a fine volley.

This was Mount’s second goal in three games, having also netted the winner in a 2-1 away win over Crystal Palace at the end of November.

His recent exploits have helped United claim back-to-back away wins in the Premier League for the first time since February 2024 – before current boss Ruben Amorim took charge.

Having returned to full fitness at the end of last season, Mount is now enjoying his longest run with the Red Devils without an injury.

And the midfielder’s resurgence has now sparked talk of an England recall – three years on from his last cap at the 2022 World Cup.

Whilst at Chelsea, Mount was a mainstay in the Three Lions set-up under Gareth Southgate, but hasn’t been selected for international duty since joining United in 2023.

But with his former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel now in charge of England, former Aston Villa star Agbonlahor believes there is no reason why a reunion between the pair couldn’t be on the cards.

Putting forward the possibility of an international revival, talkSPORT Breakfast host Jeff Stelling said: “Mason Mount was excellent for United last night.

“I thought he was the standout player on the pitch by quite a distance. Actually a texter said I think he’ll be England’s number 10 for the World Cup next year.

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Getty

“Well I don’t agree with that but it’s a question of whether he can force himself in… Why not even at this late stage?”

And Agbonlahor insisted that Tuchel would certainly be keeping an eye on Mount’s progress, with the pair enjoying a close working relationship together at Chelsea between 2021 and 2022.

Responding to Stelling, he said: “If he can get a run of games and perform like he did last night, Thomas Tuchel will be aware of Mason Mount. He’ll know what he can do and what he did at Chelsea.”

Hailing his performance against Wolves, Agbonlahor went on: “I thought last night his passing was spot on.

“His finish from [Bruno] Fernandes – he’s got a great ball in behind. He just needs a run of games now.

“Can you keep playing and stay in the side, then why not?”

talkSPORT

What has Mason Mount said about an England recall?

Tuchel is a known admirer of Mount’s, who was a key player during the German’s successful stint as Chelsea manager.

This included Champions League glory in 2021, where he set up Kai Havertz‘s winning goal in the final against Manchester City.

And while he is yet to enjoy a reunion with Tuchel on the international stage, Mount revealed in July that the Three Lions boss had made contact with him since taking charge of the national team.

Mount said: “Thomas called me up.

“He called me and he said that he’s calling a lot of players and just wanted to catch up. 

“I don’t know how many players he probably called, 40 or 50 maybe. But it was good to see his face, good to catch up with him, good to speak to him.” 

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Though Mount admitted his history with Tuchel helps his case, he revealed the Three Lions boss had warned there would be no preferential treatment, with stiff competition for places in attacking midfield.

Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are all vying for a starting spot just behind talisman Harry Kane, while Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White are also well in with a chance here.

Mount added: “I played quite a bit under him [Tuchel]. We won the Champions League, so that’s a positive. But with England it’s totally different now. 

“The competition with places, the amount of people he can pick, it’s a bit different than club football. 

“So it doesn’t go hand in hand. He said to me: ‘There’s no guarantees, even though you played for me’.

“But it gives you more, you want to push even more to be able to be back in the squad. So it was really good to speak to him.”