England’s friendly matches against Italy and Denmark at the end of the month are expected to be canceled due to fears of coronavirus, reports have it.
The matches, which will both be played at Wembley, are scheduled to take place on March 27 and 31, unless the government changes its opinion on the situation.
The Sun, however, suggested that there is now “growing acceptance” that the fixtures will not be finished.
Sunday afternoon, 273 people in Britain have the virus after 62 other cases have been confirmed across the country.
Italy is currently one of the most severely affected nations, with 5,883 people infected by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who placed around 16 million people in quarantine by locking up areas 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 has already been postponed.
Meanwhile, Serie A and other sporting events in the country are played behind closed doors.
The cancellation of the two international matches would be a real blow for Gareth Southgate before the 2020 European Championship, but it is estimated that the risk of aggravating a “worrying situation” outweighs the completion of two non-competitive matches.
Representatives from the Football Federation and other sporting governing bodies, as well as officials from the Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport are expected to meet on Monday to discuss the current situation.
The English team is expected to be announced on March 19 and will shape Southgate’s plans for the transcontinental competition.
UEFA currently believes that Euro 2020 will continue, although it will take place in 12 different cities, including Rome.