Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne tests positive for coronavirus after England defeat

Midfielder played the full 90 minutes as Kenny’s side lost 3-0 at Wembley

England's Harry Maguire, left, celebrates with Tyrone Mings and Jadon Sancho after scoring his side's opening goal in their 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley. AP

England's Harry Maguire, right, scores his side's opening goal. AP

England goalkeeper Dean Henderson saves a shot from Republic of Ireland's Alan Browne. The Ireland player has since tested positive for Covid-19. Reuters

Ireland full-back Matt Doherty is challenged by England's Reece James. AP

England's Jadon Sancho, right, celebrates with Jack Grealish after scoring this side's second goal. AP

England's manager Gareth Southgate talks to Jude Bellingham before the teenager came on to make his senior debut. AFP

Ireland's Alan Browne and Tyrone Mings of England challenge for a header. PA

England's 17-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham on his debut, watched by Jeff Hendrick of Ireland. AP

England defender Harry Maguire challenges Adam Idah of Ireland. EPA

England midfielder Jack Grealish shrugs off the challenge of Ireland's Shane Duffy. AP

England's Mason Mount takes a corner at Wembley. AFP

England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores his side's third goal from the penalty spot. PA

England's Dominic Calvert-Lewin of England celebrates with teammate Bukayo Saka after scoring. EPA

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores his England's third goal from the spot. AP

Jude Bellingham and Jeff Hendrick battle for the ball. Getty

Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne has tested positive for coronavirus following Thursday night's 3-0 friendly defeat by England.

Preston North End's Browne, who played the full 90 minutes at Wembley, has been isolated from the rest of the group ahead of Sunday's Nations League fixture against Wales in Cardiff.

However, the PA news agency understands England will be unaffected and will be able to continue their preparations for their own Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Iceland as the Return to Play protocol is designed to legislate for such occurrences.

A Football Association of Ireland statement said: "The Football Association of Ireland can confirm Ireland midfielder Alan Browne has tested positive for Covid-19.

"The player has been isolated from the group as per Covid-19 protocols, and the HSE and UEFA have been informed of this development.

"There are no close contacts of the player and the rest of the staff & squad tested negative ahead of Sunday's Uefa Nations League fixture against Wales in Cardiff."

Browne is the second Ireland player to give a positive result this week, with West Brom striker Callum Robinson having missed the England game for the same reason.

Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah had to sit out last month's Euro 2020 play-off semi-final in Slovakia as close contacts of a member of staff who later tested positive on the flight to Bratislava, while four more players were withdrawn on the squad's return to Dublin.

Wolves captain Connor Coady has been ruled out of England's remaining fixtures during the current international window after after being identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus via the UK's track and trace programme.

England are due to play Belgium on Sunday in a crucial Nations League encounter, before wrapping up the group stage against Iceland next Wednesday.

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