(NEW YORK) — A pair of England soccer players have been ruled out of Thursday’s Euro 2020 match against the Czech Republic due to COVID-19 protocols.
Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell were deemed “close contacts” with Billy Gilmour, a club teammate of the pair at Chelsea. Gilmour tested positive for the virus following Friday’s 0-0 draw between England and Scotland.
ESPN says Mount and Chilwell were seen embracing and talking to Gilmour after the Friday match, crossing the threshold of what Public Health England deems a close contact.
Mount and Chilwell could also be forced to sit out England’s next match, which would be in the Round of 16, after having to self-isolate. The Football Association says the two will be able to train individually in private areas of the English team’s training base.
England has already assured that it will advance out of the group stage, but could top their group with a win over the Czech Republic. With a win, they would next play on June 29, allowing Mount and Chilwell to return. A second-place finish within the group, though, would force them to play on Monday without Mount and Chilwell, who would be in their final day of isolation.
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