Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell continue to train ‘individual programmes’ away from England team-mates despite hopes the pair could rejoin the group ahead of last 16 clash with Germany
England pair Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell continued to train away from team-mates on Saturday ahead of the Three Lions last 16 tie with Germany.
England’s Euro 2020 campaign was thrown into disarray earlier this week when the Chelsea duo were forced to self-isolate for 10 days following close contact with Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for Covid-19.
There were hopes they would be able to join the group for socially-distanced training this weekend, but that appears not to be the case as the pair continued their ‘individual programmes’ as the rest of the player trained together.
Their continued exclusion casts doubt over their involvement against the Germans on Tuesday, with manager Gareth Southgate likely to want to prepare his starting team ahead of the first knock-out clash.
A tweet from the official England Twitter account read: ‘Good to see you working hard, lads! Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount continue to work through their individual training programmes’, alongside pictures of the pair training alone.
Southgate is thought to still be eager to use the two players, particularly Mount, against Germany, potentially off the substitutes bench.
Ben Chilwell (left) and Mason Mount (right) continued to train in isolation on Saturday
The pair have been forced to train away from their England team-mates ahead of Germany tie
After talks between the Football Association (FA) and Public Health England (PHE), a decision was reached for midfielder Mount and left back Chilwell to self-isolate until next Monday.
The tight restrictions, which are in place to prevent a mass outbreak which may derail the tournament, will see the pair train and dine separately until they are permitted to return fully to the group.
Declan Rice, a close friend of Mount, revealed how the Chelsea man had relied on Netflix, Whatsapp and an exercise bike to keep him preoccupied during isolation, whilst saying he hoped he would be able to return to the group on Saturday or Sunday.
‘They are still part of the squad and ready to have a massive impact on this tournament,’ said Rice.
Chilwell was seen working through an ‘individual training programme’ separate from group
Mount put himself through the paces as he continued to not be allowed to join his team-mates
Southgate has been left sweating over whether the pair can be involved against Germany
‘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‘
‘Hopefully, we can have him out maybe tomorrow or the next day, obviously with the negative test. That would be a massive boost.’
Mount, Chilwell and Gilmour were seen chatting on the pitch after the goalless draw last week, and also conversed inside the Wembley tunnel area.
The pair have to isolate for 10 days following contact with Billy Gilmour, who tested positive
Southgate hopes Mount can be used in the last 16 despite isolation ending day before
When speaking to PHE, the FA argued that the size of the tunnel, as well as the fact it is open to the elements, meant their two stars should not be deemed as close contacts – but the argument ultimately fell short.
Both Chelsea players have returned two negative Covid-19 tests this week, but will be forced to see out their isolation to the end.