England’s friendlies against Italy and Denmark at the end of the month are set to be cancelled due to coronavirus fears, according to reports.
The matches, both to be played at Wembley, are due to go ahead on March 27 and 31 unless Government changes its advice on the situation.
The Sun, though, have suggested there is now a ‘growing acceptance’ the fixtures will not be completed.
As of Sunday afternoon, 273 people in Britain have the virus after another 62 cases were confirmed around the country.
Italy are one of the worst suffering nations at the moment with 5,883 infected with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte placing around 16 million in quarantine by locking down regions in the north of the country.
The Italian national rugby team’s Six Nations match against Ireland, in Dublin, and at home next weekend against England, have both been postponed already.
Meanwhile, Serie A and other sporting events in the nation are being played behind closed doors.
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The cancellation of both international matches would be a real blow for Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2020 European Championship but it’s believed the risk of making a ‘worrying situation worse’ outweighs the completion of two non-competitive games.
Representatives of the Football Association and other sporting governing bodies and officials from the Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport are set to meet on Monday to discuss the current situation.
England’s squad is due to be announced on March 19 and will shape Southgate’s plans for the cross-continent competition.
Currently UEFA believe Euro 2020 will go ahead, despite it being played in 12 different cities, including Rome.
