EURO 2020 postponed – what it means for Cats and League One
Sunderland were expecting four players to be involved in those games, with Tom Flanagan, Conor McLaughlin and Kyle Lafferty already called up by Nothern Ireland.
Jon McLaughlin was expected to be named in Scotland’s squad that was to face Israel.
UEFA’s statement reads: “UEFA today announced the postponement of its flagship national team competition, UEFA EURO 2020, due to be played in June and July this year.
“The health of all those involved in the game is the priority, as well as to avoid placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services involved in staging matches.
“The move will help all domestic competitions, currently on hold due to the COVID-19 emergency, to be completed.
“All UEFA competitions and matches (including friendlies) for clubs and national teams for both men and women have been put on hold until further notice.
“The UEFA EURO 2020 Play-off matches and international friendlies, scheduled for the end of March, will now be played in the international window at the start of June, subject to a review of the situation.
“A working group has been set up with the participation of leagues and club representatives to examine calendar solutions that would allow for the completion of the current season and any other consequence of the decisions made today.”
The decision by UEFA will give the EFL breathing room when it meets to discuss its contingency planning this week.
It insisted in a statement on Monday that it had not taken any firm decisions on what happens next, with widespread doubt as to when football in the UK will be able to resume safely.