England vs Germany cancelled after positive coronavirus test among Lionesses backroom staff

Travel restrictions and fears for the playing squad have led to the decision to abandon the camp

Karl Matchett
Sunday 25 October 2020 07:47 EDT
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England Women manager Phil Neville
England Women manager Phil Neville (Getty Images)

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England Women have confirmed the cancellation of their training camp and upcoming fixture against Germany.

The Lionesses were due to play the fixture on Tuesday, 27 October, but have opted to pull out after a positive test for coronavirus was confirmed within the backroom staff.

A statement read that “concern for the safety and welfare of all players and staff" remained the top priority and, as a result, they would not travel or play the game.

Covid-19 restrictions in Germany at present dictate that any individual testing positive in the country must self-isolate for 14 days and the FA say they “cannot take the risk that this may happen to a player or member of England staff.”

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “This has been a difficult but necessary decision.  Nothing is more important than the safety, health and wellbeing of the players and colleagues under our care.

“We are very grateful to the DFB for their cooperation and understanding and look forward to the possibility of a future fixture in healthier and safer times.”

England head coach Phil Neville said: “While we all wanted to play Tuesday’s game, this was absolutely the right course of action. I thank Germany’s staff for their understanding and our FA colleagues for their support.

“I know the fans were hoping to see us play again but I am sure they will understand the decision. We have still had a good week of training and are looking forward to getting together next month before our match against Norway in Sheffield.”

The FA further note that the final days of the October camp at St. George’s Park has been cancelled and that all players will, as a result, return to their clubs immediately.

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