MASON MOUNT and Ben Chilwell COULD return for England’s last-16 clash – but it all depends on tonight’s game against Czech Republic.
The Chelsea duo have been placed into ten-day isolation after they were deemed to have been in close contact with Billy Gilmour, who later tested positive for coronavirus.
Mount and Chilwell were seen talking with and hugging the Scotland ace after Friday’s 0-0 draw at Wembley.
The Three Lions team-mates have since been ordered to isolate for TEN days, meaning they can’t return to action until Tuesday June 29.
Mount and Chilwell will therefore definitely miss tonight’s game against Czech Republic.
But they COULD return for the last-16 – depending on how the final group-stage game unfolds.
IF ENGLAND WIN TONIGHT
England must beat the Czechs in order to win Group D.
Should they top the standings, they will take on the runners-up in Group F – one of France, Germany, Hungary or Portugal – in the last-16.
That that game will be played on June 29 – the day AFTER Mount and Chilwell’s final day of isolation.
IF ENGLAND DRAW TONIGHT
If England draw against the Czechs and finish second in the group, their last-16 clash will be against the runners-up of Group E – one of Spain, Slovakia, Sweden or Poland – on June 28.
As things stand, that’s the final day of the Chelsea pair’s isolation period, meaning they would not be an option for Gareth Southgate.
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IF ENGLAND LOSE TONIGHT
A loss for England could see them finish the group in third place should Scotland beat Croatia and wipe out their three-goal goal deficit.
There are three possible scenarios should England slip to third.
One sees them play Holland at 5pm on Sunday June 27 – during which Mount and Chilwell will still be isolating.
Another would see them face the winners of Group B – most-likely Belgium – at 8pm on June 27… also too soon.
The final option would see Mount and Chilwell back in time, with a game against the Group E winners (Spain, Sweden, Slovakia or Poland) at 8pm on Tuesday June 29 – the day AFTER the isolation period ends.
For now, Mount and Chilwell will train alone at St George’s Park while they serve out their quarantine period up to and including Monday June 28.
Even when they return they will likely be sorely lacking in match practice and sit on the bench until at least the quarter-final stage.
However, depending on the outcome of the Czech Republic clash, they could yet play a part in the last-16.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
