England stars Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell ruled out of Czech Republic game and could miss last-16 match
England players Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell will miss tonight’s Euro 2020 game against the Czech Republic after being told they must self-isolate.
Midfielder Mount and left-back Chilwell could also be forced out of England’s game in the last 16, if the team fail to win their group.
The pair had close contact with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, their Chelsea team-mate, who has tested positive for Covid-19 since Friday’s match.
Mount and Chilwell have returned two negative tests since that fixture but have been advised they must isolate by Public Health England.
The news is a blow to England manager Gareth Southgate, who has started Mount in both games at Euro 2020 so far.
An England spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount must isolate up to and including next Monday [28 June].
“This decision has been taken in consultation with Public Health England.
“The pair were confirmed overnight as close contacts of Scotland’s Billy Gilmour after his positive test following last Friday’s match.
“Chilwell and Mount will isolate and train individually in private areas at England’s training base St. George’s Park, with the rest of the squad returning there after tonight’s fixture against Czech Republic at Wembley.”
England could play their last-16 fixture on Sunday or Monday if they do not win Group D.
If they beat the Czech Republic, however, they will be guaranteed to finish top and play their next game on Tuesday 29 June.
“We will continue to follow all Covid-19 protocols and the Uefa testing regime, while remaining in close contact with PHE,” added the spokesperson.
“The entire England squad and staff had lateral flow tests on Monday and all were again negative, as was the case with Sunday’s UEFA pre-match PCR tests. Further tests will be carried out as and when appropriate.”