Roy Keane has branded Mason Mount’s critics ‘idiots’ as the outspoken pundit lavished praise on the England midfielder’s ‘outstanding’ performances for club and country.

Mount, 22, has proved himself undroppable by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, with the Chelsea star starting an eighth-successive England game for the clash with Poland at Wembley.

The midfielder was a cherished asset under former Blues boss Frank Lampard, while new manager Thomas Tuchel has taken a shine to the hardworking creative outlet.

Mount’s selection in the England line-up has been called into question by his detractors, with critics calling for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish and Man City hotshot Phil Foden to start in his place.

But Keane has labelled those critics as ‘idiots’, with the Irishman lauding the vibrant Chelsea star before Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier, report the Mail.

“Well that is pretty important, that your manager likes you,’ he said of Mount winning favour under different managers on ITV Sport.

“Doesn’t matter what people outside the game think, there are a lot of idiots out there.

“Ultimately, I think the players pick the team and he has performed well enough for every manager to say “listen you are going to be in my starting line up”.

“Outstanding player. He wants to be an all round midfielder. I never hear anything negative about him off the pitch, he seems a brilliant young kid, he has gone out on loan he has done it the hard way.

“He is a fantastic player and I’m looking forward to seeing him tonight.”

There are reports Chelsea are looking to scupper Barcelona’s plans to land Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.

The Liverpool midfielder looked certain to team up with compatriot Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp with his contract expiring.

Jurgen Klopp was believed to be eager to keep the Dutchman but talks have collapsed between club and player.

It was even reported how Wijnaldum’s move to Barcelona was ’95 per cent done’ after financial constraints meant they missed out on him last summer.

But Marca write how Premier League rivals Chelsea have joined a growing list of clubs vying for his signature including Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

The summer will be Thomas Tuchel’s first full opportunity to add new faces to his Blues squad following his appointment towards the end of January.

Wijnaldum, 30, is set to leave Liverpool following an illustrious five years with the club.

North Macedonia beat Germany in World Cup qualifying last night in what was the biggest shock of the international break.

The home team got themselves back on level terms and looked set to go on and win the game when the ball was square to Chelsea striker Timo Werner in front of an almost-open goal.

He somehow scuffed his shot, and soon the away side were up the other end scoring a winner of their own.

A cheeky member of the North Macedonian press mocked up an ironic citizenship card for the forward to celebrate his achievements for the country, which you can see in the Tweet embedded here:

Chelsea striker Timo Werner re-enacted another torrid display in front of goal for Germany as his country suffered an unexpected defeat to North Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier.

Joachim Low’s men were sniffing a winner with 10 minutes left when Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan rolled the ball across for the incoming Werner.

The ex-RB Leipzig hero, on as a sub for Chelsea team-mate Kai Havertz, seemed to get his feet tangled up as he mis-hit a left-footer wide.

Werner stooped down in embarrassment and disbelief, holding his head in his hands.

And it got worse for Germany when Eljif Elmas fired a late clincher for the visitors.

Goran Pandev had put North Macedonia in front on the stroke of half-time, before Gundogan levelled with a 63rd-minute penalty for a foul on ex-club colleague Leroy Sane.

Barcelona may opt against signing Sergio Aguero amid reports of the striker’s high wage demands.

An extensive squad renewal plan is being set out by Ronald Koeman but the Catalans’ significant financial problems will impact how the summer unfolds.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Barcelona bosses are keen on the striker.

Aguero, 32, will bid a fond farewell to Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of June.

But, despite being a ‘free’ transfer, his reported wage demands of £250,000-a-week is a stumbling block for the Blaugrana.

Koeman hopes to bring in a striker but Lyon’s Memphis Depay, a long-term target who is also out of contract in the summer, is another option.

Photo Credit: PhilFoden/Twitter

England beat Poland 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday. John Stones’ defensive error allowed Poland to equalise through Jakub Moder. But, Harry Maguire proved the Three Lions’ hero with a late strike after Moder cancelled out Harry Kane’s first-half penalty.

Nick Pope – 6

Still looks rather uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. Will go to the Euros as Jordan Pickford’s deputy.

Kyle Walker – 6.5

Could have made better use of the ball but still a strong display down England’s right side.

Harry Maguire – 7

Came up trumps for his team when they were running out of ideas. Big player, big goal.

John Stones – 6

Not for the first time, a mistake cost his team dear but he showed character to set-up England’s winner.

Ben Chilwell – 6.5

An energetic display for from the left back. Saw plenty of the ball down his flank and used it well.

Kalvin Phillips – 6.5

A third successive start for the Leeds midfielder. Appears to be a shoo-in for the Euros squad. Economical in possession.

Declan Rice – 7.5

Arguably England’s first-choice holding central midfielder. Has grown in stature for club and country this season.

Mason Mount – 7

Was a doubt heading into the game but still caused Poland problems with his poise and probing.

Phil Foden – 6.5

Didn’t see as much as of the ball as he’d have liked but hardly gave away a pass in possession.

Harry Kane – 6.5

Another goal closer to breaking Wayne Rooney’s goalscoring record but cut a frustrated figure for much of this.

Raheem Sterling – 7.5

Terrorised the Poles, who had no answer to the Manchester City star’s dynamism at times.

Subs: James (Foden 86); Calvert-Lewin (Kane 88); Lingard (Sterling 88)

Subs not used: Henderson, Johnstone, Trippier, Coady, Dier, Mings, Shaw, Watkins, Bellingham.

Manager: Gareth Southgate – 7

His team appeared to be strolling to victory until Stones’ error. The England boss won’t be satisfied with this.

Photo Credit: England/Twitter

Liverpool have reportedly made Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir a summer target – after he impressed while they scouting Erling Haaland.

Trabzonspor goalie Cakir, 24, was between the sticks for Turkey’s 3-0 win in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Norway.

Sabah Sport claims Liverpool had scouts in attendance to watch Borussia Dortmund sensation Haaland, 20.

But Cakir was in fine form to deny the striker his usual goal and the Reds reportedly added the £14.5million stopper to their summer shortlist.

Ex-Chelsea boss Frant Lampard was reportedly interested in signing Cakir for the Blues before the emergence of Edouard Mendy.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sensationally revealed that Erling Haaland ‘struggled with bad knees’ during their time together at Molde.

He said in a fan Q&A via Sky Sports: “He came as a 16-year-old, of course, you never know with injuries.

“He struggled really badly with bad knees when he came, but I could see someone with a personality.

“I remember him brushing off and putting our centre-back and centre-midfielder, two big, massive lads, he put them on the floor and asked them to get up.

“He’s a born winner, he’s got a great personality. He’s proving to everyone how good a player he is.

“We played against Zenit in the Europa League play-off and the ref came to me after and said, ‘He’ll play in the Champions League soon’. We did know.

“He’s a top personality. I played with [his dad[ Alf, he’s a bit old school in that respect. He’s a winner.”