England national football team
The Football Association (The FA) has issued a statement on the cancellation of the friendly match between the women’s national teams of Germany and England scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
We have taken the difficult decision today to cancel the England women’s senior squad’s away fixture against Germany, scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 October.
This follows the return of a positive COVID-19 test result for a member of the Lionesses’ backroom staff and our consequent concern for the safety and welfare of all players and staff which remains our top priority.
The current COVID-19 protocol enforced by the German government requires that any individual who tests positive whilst in the country must self-isolate for 14 days. We cannot take the risk that this may happen to a player or member of England staff.
Our 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 remainder of England women’s October camp at St. George’s Park has been cancelled and the players will return to their clubs today.