Lionesses free to return to their clubs despite Covid cancellation of Germany game

England's players have avoided having to isolate for two weeks despite the cancellation of the Lionesses' friendly against Germany on Tuesday due to a member of the backroom team contracting coronavirus.

The Football Association has confirmed the staff member remained more than two metres apart from any of the squad and wore a mask at all times. All players have tested negative for the virus and can now return to their clubs.

It will be a major relief to Manchester City in particular who had 11 players in the England squad just a week before their FA Cup final against Everton.

England last played in the SheBelieves Cup in March and will be disappointed not to be able to test themselves against the Germans ahead of a friendly against Norway in November.

However, they were able to play an inter-squad training match on Friday. "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," said head coach Phil Neville.

"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."