Positive Covid tests disrupt England and Scotland build-ups
GARETH Southgate last night refused to rule Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell out of England’s Euro 2020 clash with the Czech Republic this evening, despite the pair being forced to self-isolate after being in contact with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Southgate admitted the uncertainty over the pair was “disruptive” ahead of the game, in which England still need at least a draw to confirm qualification for the last 16 after the goalless draw against their oldest rivals.
Asked if the pair would be fit for tonight’s game, Southgate said: “We don’t know at the moment. There’s obviously got to be quite a doubt, but there’s still a lot of discussions and investigations going on behind the scenes, so at the moment they’re isolating and we just have to find out over the last 12 hours or so.”
A statement from the Football Association read: “As a precaution at this time and in consultation with Public Health England, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount are isolating after interaction with Scotland player Billy Gilmour at Friday’s match.
“The pair will be kept away from the rest of the England players and wider support team, pending further discussions with PHE.
“The entire squad had lateral flow tests on Monday afternoon and all were again negative, as was the case with Sunday’s UEFA prematch PCR tests. We will continue to follow all Covid-19 protocols and the UEFA testing regime, while remaining in close contact with
PHE.” Southgate admitted that, while he still hoped Mount and Chilwell could be available for the game against the Czechs, there was also the prospect of them being ruled out for a longer period.
He added: “I can’t say it isn’t disruptive. We don’t really know at this point whether they might be OK for tomorrow, or they could be out for 10 days. So there are a lot of
unknowns at this moment in time.”
Scotland, have not been instructed to put any other players into self-isolation following Gilmour’s positive test.
When asked about the coronavirus protocols, Scotland manager Steve Clarke said: “It’s not my department. My department’s getting the team ready for a massive game against Croatia and that’s what I’ve been concentrating on.”
On Gilmour, manager Clarke said: “He’s upset, as you would expect. He has no symptoms, hopefully his health will hold up. Billy would have started the game.”
Scotland and Croatia must win at Hampden to have hope of progression. Both have a point after two matches while England and the Czechs are three points better off.