Mason Mount knows there are no promises over an England return, despite recently reconnecting with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
The Manchester United midfielder was once a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s England setup, earning 36 caps, but hasn’t featured for the national team since the 2022 World Cup quarter-final loss to France.
A string of injuries has disrupted his time at United since his big money move from Chelsea, where he enjoyed his best form.
Mount provided the assist for Kai Havertz’s winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final – the high point of Tuchel’s spell at Stamford Bridge.
The German also led Chelsea to the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup titles before departing in 2022.
Despite their positive relationship, though, the United no. 7 is aware that there is stiff competition for places, and therefore, no guarantees of an England recall.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What did Mount say?
Now in charge of England, Tuchel reached out to Mount as part of his early conversations with players ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.
“He called me, said he's calling a lot of players and just wanted to catch up,” Mount said.
“I don't know how many players he called, 40 or 50 maybe. But it was good to see his face, good to catch up with him and good to speak to him.”
Tuchel was appointed as England manager in October 2024 but did not take charge of the team until their World Cup qualifiers earlier this year.
“He looked like he had loads of energy, like I remember, and was bang up for the new role. He was very excited and it was good to see what he was preparing,” the midfielder continued.
Mount is currently enjoying his first full injury-free preseason in quite some time and is focused on building fitness and form ahead of the new season. Still, he admits there’s a long road back to the England squad.
“It's such a big honour to play for your country. Any opportunity you get to put that shirt on is amazing and I'd love to have that opportunity again.
“But I think with England it's totally different now because of the amount of people he can pick.
“He said to me ‘there's no guarantees, even though you played for me.’ But you want to push even more to get back into the squad.”
Mount will be in action for United again on Wednesday (July 30) as they take on Bournemouth in a preseason friendly.
Manchester United news and related links
- Manuel Ugarte voices full dressing room support for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United
- Man Utd told to sign 'complete striker' by new signing Bryan Mbeumo
- Man Utd outcast makes transfer decision after two offers