Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have been forced to self-isolate in wake of Billy Gilmour’s positive Covid-19 test.
Scotland’s qualification hopes were hit earlier today on the eve of their must-win Euro 2020 showdown with Croatia after the midfielder returned a positive coronavirus test.
The Chelsea star impressed in his first Scotland start on Friday as he helped the team earn a goalless draw with England at Wembley.
But it seems it could also prove a blow for England ahead of their Group D clash with Czech Republic.
In a statement released by the England national team it was announced the decision had been made in consultation with Public Health England.
The statement 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 Public Health England.
“The entire squad had lateral flow tests on Monday afternoon and all were 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 Public Health England.”
It will be a bitter blow for Gareth Southgate who will be keen for his side to impress on Tuesday night after a disappointing display against Scotland.
Mount had been due to appear at the pre-match press conference alongside England boss Southgate.
The Scottish Football Association announced on Monday that Champions League winner Gilmour will have to quarantine for the next 10 days.
“The Scottish FA can confirm that a member of the Scotland national team playing squad, Billy Gilmour, has tested positive for Covid-19,” the SFA said in a statement.
“Having liaised with Public Health England since the positive test was recorded, Billy will now self-isolate for 10 days and therefore miss tomorrow’s UEFA Euro 2020 Group D match against Croatia at Hampden.”
The other 25 players in the Scotland squad trained on Monday morning and all tested negative from precautionary lateral flow tests immediately afterwards. Gilmour tested positive after a PCR test on Sunday.
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