ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate criticised coronavirus rules that left Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell out of the win over Czech Republic. The Three Lions topped Group D after a 1-0 victory at Wembley – but were without two key players due to Covid-19 restrictions that Southgate described as “full of contradictions”. Mount and Chilwell were […]
ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate criticised coronavirus rules that left Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell out of the win over Czech Republic.
The Three Lions topped Group D after a 1-0 victory at Wembley – but were without two key players due to Covid-19 restrictions that Southgate described as “full of contradictions”.
Mount and Chilwell were ordered to self-isolate for 10 days after being deemed close contacts of Scotland international Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for coronavirus after the two nations’ goalless draw last week.
The England chief said the Chelsea duo were “hugely disappointed” to miss the final group game.
The 50-year-old coach could not understand why he was without two players whereas Scotland manager Steve Clarke has a full squad – bar Gilmour – at his disposal.
Southgate told ITV: “They [Mount and Chilwell] are hugely disappointed to miss the games.
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“We just have to get on with it. It is a bizarre situation, they have spent 120 seconds too long in a fairly open space.
“It is full of contradictions for me but we will get on with it.
“Frankly, I don’t understand it at all because there are teams travelling around by planes, coach and by bus in enclosed spaces for hours and our two boys have been pinged. I really don’t get it.
“I’ve no issue for Steve and for Scotland, I don’t want them to have any more issues than we’ve had, it just seems a bizarre situation.”
Southgate is also facing the real prospect of missing Mount and Chilwell from England‘s last-16 fixture after they topped Group D.
The Three Lions face a potential horror tie against France, Portugal, Germany, or Hungary next Tuesday.
That is the day after the Chelsea pair are due to rejoin the group, but the pai still may lack the necessary fitness.
Southgate added: “Even that is going to be very difficult given the training schedule and the need to isolate.”
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