Gareth Southgate has admitted that both Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are doubtful to face the Czech Republic in England‘s final Euro 2020 group game after coming into close contact with Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour, who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Mount and Chilwell are self-isolating as a precaution after spending time with Chelsea team-mate Gilmour after Friday’s 0-0 draw against Scotland. Gilmour returned a positive Covid-19 test on Monday morning following his man-of-the-match display at Wembley and will miss Scotland’s match against Croatia.
Every member of England’s squad returned negative results for Uefa’s mandatory PCR test on Sunday and a separate lateral flow test on Monday. Nevertheless, Mount and Chilwell look set to miss today’s game against the Czech Republic, with Southgate expressing concerns that they could be unavailable for longer.
“My biggest hope is for the two boys – that they’re not going to miss 10 days of a European Championship,” Southgate said on Monday evening. “That would be a massive blow for us, but for them as well. We just have to see how it plays out.”
After a disappointing performance against Scotland and with Mount and Chilwell likely to be unavailable for selection, Southgate is expected to make some personnel changes for tonight’s top-of-the-table clash.
Mount, Chilwell replacements
Mount is one of the first names on Southgate’s teamsheet and would have started in the final group game, while Chilwell was also tipped to replace Luke Shaw at left back.
With Mount potentially sidelined, Jack Grealish may be given his first start of the tournament after appearing as a second half substitute against Scotland.
Mount has played as a left-sided central midfielder in a 4-3-3 shape in both of England’s matches and while Grealish has performed in that role for Aston Villa, Southgate may wish to use him further up the pitch, perhaps as a No 10 in a 4-2-3-1 system. Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham are also pushing for selection.
Shaw will expect to keep his place after a solid outing against Scotland, while Kyle Walker is reportedly set to come back into the team in place of Reece James on the opposite side.
Southgate defends Kane
Kane had only 19 touches of the ball against Scotland – down from 26 in the Croatia match – is yet to have a single shot on target at Euro 2020 so far and has been substituted in both games. The England skipper’s malaise in an England shirt extends further too, given he has scored just twice in his last 11 appearances.
Nevertheless, Southgate insisted this week that he will retain his starting place, amid mounting criticism over the Tottenham striker’s form. “He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings,” Southgate told the media on Sunday.
Speaking on Monday, Southgate added: “I think the only thing that’s relevant is what I’ve said already this week. His importance to the team – he’s been our best player, our most influential player, our most important player for a long period of time.”
Maguire for Mings
Southgate had planned to use Harry Maguire against Scotland, saying that he would be “involved” in some capacity.
However, given how tight the game was, Southgate decided against bringing him on, instead leaving John Stones and Tyrone Mings on the pitch for the full game.
Although Mings has acquitted himself well, Southgate will want Maguire to get some minutes under his belt after a six-week absence and with England already assured of a place in the last-16, it seems likely that he will get a run-out against Patrik Schick and co.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Phillips, Rice; Foden, Grealish, Sterling, Kane.
More from i on Euro 2020
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- How Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola stunt could change the face of football sponsorship
- In praise of Emma Hayes, the best pundit at Euro 2020 so far
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
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