An explanation has been provided after England’s Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell were asked to self-isolate after coming into contact with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
That decision left many scratching their heads, as to why the two England players would have to isolate, but no one from the Scotland squad would.
The contact that is said to have caused the request was a long conversation between all three Chelsea teammates after Friday’s 0-0 draw between England and Scotland. The length the players spent in close proximity, combined with the fact they were reportedly indoors, has triggered the isolation demand.
FA release statement
In response, the FA released the following statement.
“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.
“We will continue to follow all COVID-19 protocols and the UEFA testing regime, while remaining in close contact with PHE.
We can confirm that @BenChilwell and @masonmount_10 must isolate up to and including Monday 28 June. This decision has been taken in consultation with Public Health England.
— England (@England) June 22, 2021
“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.”
Why doesn’t the Scotland squad have to self-isolate?
Naturally, many have questioned exactly how the process had come to this result
As per The Independent, Scotland’s players will not be required to self-isolate as they have “abided by tournament protocols” under guidance from Public Health England. If any players had breached protocol, they would’ve had to follow in the footsteps of Mount and Chilwell.
The decision means the Scots will be permitted to take to the pitch this evening for their crucial Group D showdown with Croatia. On the flip side, Chilwell and Mount look set to be the only two major absentees for Gareth Southgate’s men in their battle for top spot against the Czech Republic.
Depending on whether or not the Three Lions manage to win their group, Mount and Chilwell will both be hoping to return in time for England’s Round of 16 fixture next week.
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