Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell can retain their fitness if they are forced to train alone ahead of England’s last 16 clash with Germany, but socially distanced group sessions will give them the edge they need to take on the old rivals.
Coaches spoken to by Sportsmail are unconcerned about the England pair’s physical shape after a long season in which they have racked up more than 100 games between them.
However, solo training limits the options for ball work, and while not perfect, a bubble of five can give the players the work out they need.
The FA have asked for permission from Public Health England to allow Mount and Chilwell to take part in socially-distanced training this week
‘I don’t think it will be a big challenge for the players’ fitness,’ Chris Short, a senior member of the sports science team at Middlesbrough, told Sportsmail.
‘They are young lads and there are periods in the domestic season where players have a two-week break. It is not a problem.’ added Short, who was head of sports science at Oxford United until the end of last season.
‘The biggest challenge for the players will not be physically, the issue will be not being in a training environment.
‘You have situations when you play even in small-sided games where you have to make decisions. It will be more about decision making and sharpness,' Short, who played for Sheffield United and Stoke City, before a coaching career that has also included Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Sheffield United, added.
Gareth Southgate wants to see Mount as much as possible, with a view to potentially naming him on the bench for the last-16 tie against Germany
Mount and Chilwell came into close contact with Covid-positive Scotland star Billy Gilmour (C)
The Three Lions' Euro 2020 campaign was thrown into disarray this week after both players were advised to stay away from the squad, having come into close contact with Covid-positive Scotland star Billy Gilmour.
Today, Mount and Chilwell trained at a 'private location', away from their team-mates, after being forced into isolation.
Gareth Southgate's team took to the pitch ahead of their last-16 tie against Germany, and Mount and Chilwell were kept apart entirely.
The FA are seeking permission from Public Health England for Mount and Chilwell to take part in socially-distanced training with their team-mates over the next few days in the hope they can play some part in the last-16 tie.
Whatever the outcome of the FA’s appeal, Short is confident that both players will still be in good shape for Germany on Tuesday June 29, in front of 45,000 fans at Wembley.
Elite footballers see little physical decline for up to four weeks even if they are not playing matches, research suggests.
And the England players, including Mount and Chilwell, have mostly had long campaigns where they have played a lot of games.
Mount made 54 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, and has appeared for England on five occasions since the turn of the year. And Chilwell played 42 times for Chelsea and twice for England.
‘They have both had successful seasons and they will be at the peak now anyway,’ added Short, who was born in Germany and admits he has a soft spot for the country. ‘It may be a small break, but it will not be detrimental. And in many ways a break
