England women’s friendly with Germany on Tuesday has been cancelled after a member of the team’s backroom staff tested positive for coronavirus.
The Football Association has taken the decision as a precautionary measure.
The Lionesses, whose last international game was at the SheBelieves Cup in March, were due to play two-time world champions Germany in Wiesbaden.
The game was due to be played behind closed doors because of restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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.”
England held a training match at St George’s Park on Friday before they were set to travel to Germany.
Last November, Germany overcame England 2-1 in front of a record 77,768 crowd at Wembley Stadium.
Phil Neville’s side are set to play Norway at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane in a friendly on 1 December, to be shown live on BBC Four.
Why the England players will not have to self-isolate
Jo Currie, BBC women’s sport reporter
Unlike Aston Villa, who had two Women’s Super League games postponed after a first-team squad member tested positive for coronavirus, England’s players will not have to self-isolate.
That is because the England member of staff did not come into within two metres of the players at any time and wore a mask at all times, sticking to the protocols put in place and not putting players at risk.
All players have returned negative tests and are free to return to their clubs. It would be up to their clubs if they isolate or not – but bearing in mind Manchester City had 11 players in the squad and they have the FA Cup final next Sunday, it’s very unlikely.
