Mason Mount rejected a new contract at Chelsea worth more than £200,000 a week before flying out to the World Cup, in a calculated gamble that could pay off spectacularly if he enjoys a successful tournament.
Chelsea agreed to put negotiations on hold for the duration of the tournament, but there is unlikely to be a swift breakthrough when they resume after Christmas because the two parties remain a long way apart.
And that gap could increase if Mount continues to impress, as he did in England’s 6-2 win over Iran.