The FA are waiting to find out if Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount will be allowed to play Czech Republic on Tuesday night; England manager Gareth Southgate also set to give game-time to Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire; Jude Bellingham could start if Mount misses match
Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire are set to feature against Czech Republic in England’s final Group D game on Tuesday night, while Jude Bellingham could start if Mason Mount is forced to miss the game.
Henderson and Maguire are yet to feature at the Euros having been carefully managed upon their return from injury, but now manager Gareth Southgate wants to give the pair game-time before next week’s last-16 match.
Results on Monday night ensured England qualified for the knockout stages before the Czech Republic game – victory at Wembley on Tuesday would seal top for Southgate’s side and therefore a June 29 meeting with the Group F runners-up in the last 16.
Meanwhile, the FA is currently waiting for clarification from Public Health England on whether Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount need to continue to self-isolate after the pair came into close contact with Billy Gilmour.
If Mount is missing on Tuesday night, Southgate is considering starting Bellingham against Czech Republic.
Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden could also keep their places in the starting XI despite the team’s disappointing performance against Scotland on Friday.
Will Chilwell and Mount play against Czech Republic?
Mount and Chilwell are doubts for Tuesday’s game with the Czech Republic after going into self-isolation as a precaution following their interaction with Scotland midfielder Gilmour, who has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The England pair embraced and spoke to Gilmour on the pitch following England’s draw with Scotland at Wembley on Friday and, crucially, are also understood to have spent time with their Chelsea team-mate in the tunnel afterwards – a conversation which lasted around 25 minutes – before he went on to return a positive test on Monday.
The three Chelsea players had not seen each other since returning to London after they won the Champions League final in Porto on May 29.
Both Mount and Chilwell – along with the rest of Southgate’s squad – returned negative tests for Covid-19 on Monday, but it remains unclear whether the duo will be available to play against the Czech Republic.
Maguire ‘feeling good’ ahead of return
Maguire has not played for six weeks due to an ankle injury, but the Manchester United captain is feeling positive ahead of his possible Euro 2020 bow.
“I’m feeling good,” Maguire told the Lions’ Den. “Obviously [after] the ankle injury, it’s getting stronger, I’m getting more confident.
“The more sessions I do, the more games I play, I’m sure I’ll get more confidence – and that’s the thing with these type of injuries.
“I think it’s just about building the confidence. It’s all stable now and I’m available and ready to go. Any Euro match is really important to go out there and try and win the football match.
“The boys have put ourselves in a great position in the group – four points from two games – although obviously we want to win every football match, so we’d like to be on six.
“But it’s still in a strong position and now it’s another big game against the Czechs. It’s one we’re looking forward to and we go there and try to get three points.”
