November 9 – England’s Nations League match against Iceland next week has been plunged into doubt because of the UK government’s travel ban which has now been extended to Denmark.
England are due to host Iceland at Wembley on November 18, three days after the Icelanders play the Danes in Copenhagen.
New restrictions in response to a fresh outbreak of Covid-19 in mink farms across Denmark has threatened the England-Iceland tie because there is no exemption for elite sportsmen, seemingly leaving it impossible for Iceland to play in Denmark and then come to London. “Unlike other travel to the UK, there will be no exemptions to this quarantine policy,” a government statement confirmed.
According to The Times newspaper, next week’s game may be moved to a neutral country which is allowed under UEFA’s coronavirus protocol.
Whatever is decided, the rushed decision over banning travellers from Denmark threatens to cause a problem for Premier League clubs whose Danish players are due to represent their country during the international break.
They include Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas Christensen of Chelsea, Tottenham’s Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Southampton defender Jannick Vestergaard.
Since they are residents in the UK, they would be allowed back into the country but would have to self-isolate for 14 days, meaning they would all potentially miss three top-flight games.
The Danish restrictions could also impact on the Premier League’s Swedish players because Sweden travels to Denmark for a friendly this week.
The Danish Football Association (DBU) says it has been in contact with UEFA but that its seven England-based players are “not expected” to play.
“We always have our strongest possible national team,” said head coach Kasper Hjulmand. “If the situation is not resolved, we look forward to seeing other, good players in action.”
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