Brad Friedel has defended England and Chelsea star Mason Mount amid ‘unfair’ criticism of the midfielder at the World Cup in Qatar.
Mount has started both of England’s Group B games with the Three Lions thumping Iran 6-2 before a 0-0 draw with the United States.
The 23-year-old played 71 minutes before he was replaced by Phil Foden against Iran but featured for the whole match in the goalless stalemate with the USA.
Many felt that Mount should have been replaced by Foden in the game against the Americans with England lacking creativity and in need of a spark.
Gary Neville was among the pundits critical of Southgate over the decision while Paul Parker has urged the England boss to snub Mount going forward.
England face one final Group B match in Qatar, taking on British rivals Wales on Tuesday, and Friedel has defended Mount ahead of the game.
‘I think criticism of Mount after one match is unfair,’ former USA goalkeeper Friedel told Online Casino.
‘Everyone can have a bad performance and he’s been made a scapegoat a bit which isn’t right.
‘Going individually into one man’s display isn’t right. Looking into [USA duo] Tyler Adams and Yunus Musah would be a better idea as they were fantastic and they deserve more praise.
‘If Mount continues to have underwhelming performances then criticism is warranted but you can’t pick him out individually for one poor game.
‘Mount came up against players who are really physical.’
Mount has knocked up over 30 caps for England and has played consistently under Southgate, helping England achieve a runner-up finish at Euro 2020.
He has registered six assists and two goals across 21 appearances for Chelsea this term with the domestic season now on pause until late December.
Mount rejected a £200,000-a-week offer to extend his current Chelsea deal before jetting off to the World Cup with England.
MORE : Rob Green ‘baffled’ that Mason Mount wasn’t subbed off during England’s World Cup draw with USA
MORE : Gareth Southgate explains why Raheem Sterling went straight down tunnel after substitution
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