Roy Keane has hailed Mason Mount as an "outstanding player" and labelled those who still question the Chelsea star "idiots".
Mount enjoyed an impressive international break during which he started all three of England's games, picking up an assist against San Marino and scoring against Albania.
The 22-year-old has played his way into contention for a starting role under Gareth Southgate at this summer's Euros with his dynamic midfield performances.
He has been just as impressive for Chelsea this season, playing a key role under Frank Lampard and his successor, Thomas Tuchel.
Mount's displays have caught Keane's eye and the former Manchester United captain gave a glowing report ahead of England's 2-1 win over Poland on Wednesday.
"Well that is pretty important, that your manager likes you," Keane told ITV Sport while discussing Mount. "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.
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"I never hear anything negative about him off the pitch, he seems a brilliant young kid, he has gone out on loan [to Vitesse and Derby County], he has done it the hard way.
"He is a fantastic player and I’m looking forward to seeing him tonight."
Ian Wright echoed Keane's comments as he highlighted Mount's strengths in both attack and defence.
"I think he brings different things. I think Gareth trusts him like Frank trusted him and like Tuchel trusts him," said the Arsenal legend of Mount.
"Defensively you can trust him and offensively you can trust him. He has done everything right.
"You just hope that he can continue doing what he is doing. His attitude and everything about him seems like he is heading in the right direction."
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