The country is still in lockdown but reports are circulating of a return date for competitive football.

Last week the EFL told clubs that they believe the end of the season could be wrapped up in a 56-day period and ESPN are reporting that competitive action could begin again on Saturday, June 6.

Everything is dependent on the government’s rulings over tackling the coronavirus crisis but the EFL are putting a plan in place.

Returning on the first weekend of June would give EFL clubs a three week window to get players back match fit, if they are allowed.

Gillingham haven’t trained together since the middle of last month and are now expected to be training alone for another four weeks.

ESPN’s story has been widely quoted and they say: “A video conference of all 20 Premier League clubs is due to take place this Friday in order to discuss and outline a tentative schedule for the resumption of the league in the coming weeks.

“But sources have told ESPN that the EFL, which includes the Championship, League One and League Two, is working towards games being played from June 6 onwards after an initial three-week mini pre-season starting on May 16.”

In Germany, Bayern Munich returned to training last week and the Bundesliga may get back underway again early next month, behind closed doors. They hope to complete the season by the end of June.

Football in England is also set to resume in empty stadiums, with supporters being offered access to live streaming.

Gills boss Steve Evans is confident they can get the season finished in the time-frame that the EFL is working towards.

He said: “It is three games a week, but that suits us, we are in the fight catching up, I am not objecting to it, I am all for it.

“We have got nine games left and if we pull two points back in the first three games, that is all it is, we are then six points behind with six to go, bring it on!”

The EFL have already said they won’t return until it is safe to do so and Evans is fully behind that.

“They will be driven by the government,” said the Gills boss.

“As long as the government say we are isolating we can’t forget. I won’t allow anyone to forget.

"My players are no different to a guy who works in a garage down the road, my players are somebody’s son, husband or partner, you cannot put them at any more risk than any other person.

“If they release the isolation to a degree then yes you can get back to work and play behind closed doors initially, you can do that absolutely.”

More on the Gills;

Plan in place for hot prospect

Fitness and football before contracts

Clubs keen on Gills manager