Declan Rice reveals Netflix, WhatsApp and an exercise bike has helped his England team-mate and best pal Mason Mount cope in isolation
Declan Rice has revealed how a combination of Netflix, WhatsApp and an exercise bike is keeping Mason Mount focused as the FA dismissed suggestions he could be set for an early return to training.
Mount, the Chelsea midfielder, remains in isolation as does his club-mate Ben Chilwell following their close contact with Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for coronavirus. They had to miss the Czech Republic fixture and remain separated from Gareth Southgate’s squad.
There was an indication on Friday that Mount and Chilwell might get to train with the group this weekend but that is not the case and it remains to be seen whether they will be available for Tuesday’s last 16 clash with Germany.
Declan Rice says Mason Mount’s been watching Netflix and using an exercise bike in isolation
Rice, who is Mount’s best friend, explained how the development had affected England’s players, particularly the two who are in isolation. They are, however, sticking to a fitness programme and remain in contact with their colleagues to ensure the time passes quicker.
‘They are still part of the squad and ready to have a massive impact on this tournament,’ said Rice. ‘For me, it is just like a normal day with Mase. I will chat to him every now and again and see how he has been.
Rice is hopeful Mount will be able to give England a ‘massive boost’ by returning to training
‘Hopefully we will get an update on whether he can actually come out and start training with us. He would be a lot worse isolating with me — I would do his nut in!
‘He’s been on Netflix watching a few things but he’s been positive. He’s been keeping himself fit in the room as well by doing a bike and what not.
‘Hopefully, we can have him out maybe tomorrow or the next day, obviously with the negative test. That would be a massive boost.’
Rice is hoping for a change of fortune if England’s tie with Germany goes to penalties
Rice is counting down the days to the Wembley tussle with Germany and, in what is becoming something of a mantra for the squad, insisted there was nothing to fear from coming up against Joachim Low’s team.
If it comes to a penalty shootout, though, the West Ham midfielder is hoping for a change of luck personally. ‘When I was in the Chelsea academy, we used to go to tournaments and we used to get to finals and, no lie, I’ve had three penalties to win three different tournaments and missed every time,’ he said.
‘I felt nervous as a kid going up to the ball with the pressure to win a tournament. It’s funny and weird saying it now with fans watching, but for me I’ve been practising them all season at West Ham. It’s just about that process in my head.’