Mount is set to make his debut during the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, and will hope to continue his impressive 'Rams' form that has seen him score five times already this season. 

The 21-year-old remarked on Lampard's challenge. "He's obviously got over 100 caps so he said to see if I can break that. It was the first thing he said to me.

"He's given me loads of advice so far and I'm just trying to take it all in. It's a long season so I'm going to learn so much off him.

"For me personally, learning off someone that's done so well in the game, as a midfielder I can learn so much off him and I have done so far.

"I actually found out before he pulled me in the office. He was sitting in there with [assistant manager] Jody Morris... he said he was thinking of looking to drop me for the next game, and maybe give me a rest.

"He dropped that first but then he smiled and said, 'No, I've just spoken to Gareth, you've been selected for the seniors'.

The midfielder also spoke of his determination to break into Southgate's squad. 

"One hundred per cent, coming in before the World Cup, training for four days, it made me hungrier to get into the squad.

"Being selected for the U21s was a massive achievement for me and it was a goal.

"You get to know the staff, the players, being in and around the meetings, it is definitely a step up.

"They are playing Champions League football, they are playing Premier League football, they are the top, top players in the world so it is a step up.

"But when I get on the pitch I try to play my football and to be tactically and mentally ready."