Gareth Southgate hails Mason Mount for ‘setting the tone’ after England thrash San Marino

The Chelsea midfielder played a half at Wembley, assisting Raheem Sterling’s goal in the World Cup qualifier

Mason Mount takes on Lorenzo Lunadei (Getty)

Gareth Southgate has praised Mason Mount for “setting the tone” in England’s 5-0 win over San Marino to kick-start their World Cup 2022 qualification.

The Chelsea midfielder set up Raheem Sterling, while also injecting speed and tempo to the Three Lions’ play from the first whistle.

And after continuing his fine form under Thomas Tuchel with the Blues, Southgate was delighted with the 22-year-old’s contribution.

“Mason Mount in the first half was excellent and set the tone. It was good to see Jesse Lingard looking like he’s enjoying his football again. There were a lot of good things,” Southgate told ITV after managing the national team for the 50th time.

“There were lots of good individual performances. The midfield players moved the ball around really well. Kalvin Phillips, I was really pleased for him. He’s used the ball well and his athleticism around the pitch was good.

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“We did it as well as we could. I was really pleased with the way we pressed when we lost the ball. That highlighted the mentality of the team for the full 90 minutes.

“Of course, it’s an opponent we should beat, but I thought they went about the job really well.”