England’s plans for double-header with Iceland and Denmark are thrown into chaos after at least THREE members of Gareth Southgate’s squad test positive for coronavirus… just over a week before their first game
- Gareth Southgate’s plans for next month’s double header are under threat
- England’s fixtures against Iceland and Denmark may have to be cancelled
- The reason being is due to the recent Premier League Covid-19 outbreak
England manager Gareth Southgate’s plans for next month’s international double header are under serious threat because of a Premier League Covid outbreak.
Sportsmail believes at least three players named in Southgate’s squad on Tuesday have tested positive in recent days and are now facing an anxious wait to see if they have to withdraw from the party to play Iceland and Denmark ahead of next week’s meet.
England staff are aware of the players who have contacted the virus and are keeping abreast of the situation – but there is a growing belief that withdrawals will be inevitable given the circumstances.
Gareth Southgate’s plans for next month’s international double header are under threat
Players will be tested prior to their arrival at St George’s Park on Monday and will be re-tested as soon as they report for duty so backroom staff at the national football centre will have a clear idea of who can stay with the group and who will depart.
There are no plans yet to call-up replacement players but Southgate is fully aware of pandemic’s growth across the Premier League in recent days and could call on reinforcements next week.
The Premier League recorded just 20 positive tests during Project Restart as players entered their respective bio-secure bubbles.
Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has recently tested positive for coronavirus
However, many players have headed abroad on holiday during the close season which is believed to be the key reason behind the recent spate of individuals either testing positive or having to quarantine.
It is understood at least seven Premier League clubs have seen at least one player test positive or have a players quarantining after showing symptoms.
The growing numbers of carriers has cast a degree of doubt over the scheduled September 12 Premier League season start date – but there was a confidence yesterday that the season wouldn’t be delayed provided the problem does not get dramatically worse.
Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount – who are both in the England squad – are quarantining
Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount – who are both in the England squad – are both quarantining.
Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has tested positive, while Christian Benteke at Crystal Palace is currently quarantining despite recording an initial negative test.
Football Association staff have implement very strict coronavirus guidelines at St George’s Park in preparation for the arrival of England players next week.
Staff and coaches – including Southgate and his coaching team – are tested at least twice a week with officials confident the measures will make for a safe environment during the next international week.