England began their 2022 World cup campaign with a dominant 6-2 win over Iran with Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling one of the names on the scoresheet. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka (x2), Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish were the other players to find the back of the net for Gareth Southgate's side.
Despite conceding twice against Iran, who are ranked 20th in the FIFA World rankings, England were in complete control throughout the contest, and after a goalless first half hour, scored three goals in the space of 11 first-half minutes.
The concerns regarding a conservative approach from Southgate were very quickly put to bed as the Three Lions constantly looked for forward passes with Mason Mount and Bellingham finding narrow gaps in the Iran half that allowed England's wide players to get higher up the pitch and take up attacking positions.
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Mount has mostly seen his minutes come as part of Chelsea's front three but following his performance in a slightly deeper role, he may have shown Graham Potter he could be used in a free-roaming attacking midfield position.
When receiving the ball in a deeper position, Mount can use his agility and sharp feet to escape opposition challenges or on many occasions be stopped from advancing forward illegally, with the Chelsea star being the most-fouled player in the first half (4).
The 23-year-old also won all of his first-half duels and tackles proving he isn't just there to impact the game in an attacking sense but also from a defensive point of view, with many of those recoveries coming in Iran's half that allowed the Three Lions to break.
Being alongside Dortmund midfielder and Chelsea target Bellingham was also key to Mount's performance as the work rate and positional sense of the teenager allowed Mount to be the furthest forward midfielder and pick up key positions between the lines.
Potter and Tuchel were both keen users of a back five with two midfielders, but after seeing Mount's performance in a trio, the Blues boss could be tempted to deploy a midfield three where Mateo Kovacic could certainly play the Bellingham role.
While N'golo Kante would be a perfect option at the base of midfield, his injury absence may mean Jorginho would be needed to shield the defence. The Italian certainly doesn't provide the same security as Rice, but the opportunity to play Mount in a position which seems to be his best could be worth the risk for Potter.
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