England star Jack Grealish has said he is “confused” by the period of self-isolation applied to Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell after close contact with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, despite the fact that no Scottish players have been allowed to isolate.
Gilmour tested positive for COVID-19 in the wake of the 0-0 draw at Wembley and concerns over Mount and Chilwell became apparent after talking to his Chelsea club mate for a long time in the tunnel after the match.
The entire England squad, including Mount and Chilwell, returned negative tests after the match. But after advice on COVID-19 protocols from Public Health England and the FA, the controversial decision was made for the couple to isolate until 28 June.
They will train individually in “private areas” at England’s base until then, with the isolation period ending the day before England’s first knockout match, and have already ruled out both the third and final group match against the Czech Republic at Wembley.
Mason Mount & Ben Chilwell will be forced to isolate until June 28 / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Gimour was the only Scottish player to give a positive test. But there were pictures of the young midfielder in close contact with teammates and coach Steve Clarke during and after the match. Andrew Robertson also deleted a video that had been uploaded on social media where he and others were seen playing table tennis with Gilmour.
“It’s crazy how we have no players in our group with COVID and have two players isolating and Scotland have one [with COVID] and no isolation, Grealish said. “It confuses me.”
England were clearly keen to take any chances after beating the Czech Republic on Tuesday night. Declan Rice was seen talking to West Ham club mate Tomas Soucek after the final whistle and a Wembley official was quickly on hand to give both players a mask.
The next England match will be the last 16 of a draw against one of France, Portugal, Germany or Hungary, which finishes second in Group F, at Wembley on 29 June.
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