England duo isolating after interaction with Covid-hit Billy Gilmour
Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are isolating ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2020 clash with the Czech Republic after interacting with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Having opened Group D by beating World Cup semi-final foes Croatia, the Three Lions were held to a 0-0 draw by their oldest rivals at Wembley on Friday evening.
The results leaves Gareth Southgate’s men on the cusp of qualification to the European Championship round of 16, but the Scotland match also has had an unwanted knock-on effect.
England’s preparations for Tuesday’s game against the table-topping Czechs have been rocked by news that Mount and Chilwell are having to isolate after coming into contact with Chelsea team-mate Gilmour.
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 pre-match PCR tests.
“We will continue to follow all Covid-19 protocols and the UEFA testing regime, while remaining in close contact with PHE.”
Mount had been due to appear at the pre-match press conference alongside England boss Southgate.
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Maguire raring to go
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire is raring to return from his six-week injury lay-off and help England progress to the European Championship knockout phase as group winners.
Having kicked off Group D with a 1-0 win against World Cup semi-final foes Croatia before drawing 0-0 with oldest rivals Scotland, a partially-filled Wembley will welcome the Czech Republic on Tuesday evening.
Gareth Southgate’s men are well placed to progress and know a Wembley return in the last 16 will be be secured by beating the pool-topping Czechs, who Maguire is hoping to get his first Euro 2020 minutes against.
The Manchester United captain missed the end of the club season with the high ankle sprain sustained in early May and made the England bench for the first time against Scotland.
Southgate said Maguire would feature against Scotland, but the centre-back remained on the bench.
“I’m feeling good,” Maguire said. “Obviously (with) the ankle injury, it’s getting stronger, I’m getting more confident.
“The more sessions I do, the more games I play, I’m sure I’ll get more confidence and that’s the thing with these type of injuries.
“I think it’s just about building the confidence. It’s all stable now and I’m available and I’m ready to go.
“Any Euro match is really important to go out there and try and win the football match.
“The boys have put ourselves in a great position in the group – four points from two games – although obviously we want to win every football match so we’d like to be on six.
“But it’s still in a strong position and now it’s another big game against the Czechs and one we’re looking forward to and we go there and try and get three points.”
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