ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane was “numb with shock” after pal and former team-mate Christian Eriksen’s horror collapse.
Other Three Lions players and boss Gareth Southgate were distressed by TV images of medics battling to save the Danish ace, 29, a dad of two young children.
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A source said: “They’re all numb and very upset. You have to appreciate many of them have played with or against Christian. Harry is particularly devastated.”
After it was confirmed Eriksen was awake in hospital, a message from Southgate was posted on the England team Twitter feed saying: “We are encouraged by the update from [the Danish FA] this evening.
“On behalf of The English FA, our players and staff, we send our very best wishes to Christian and those close to him.
“We pay tribute to those who went to his aid with such care to give the support he received.
“Our thoughts remain with Christian and his family tonight.”
Kane, 27, and Eriksen became friends during seven years together at Spurs from 2013, with partners Katie and Sabrina also close.
It comes as…
An England press conference with Kane and Southgate due to take place at 6.30pm yesterday was cancelled as the drama unfolded, with FA sources saying neither was in the right frame of mind.
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, part of the England squad at St George’s Park, Staffs, earlier tweeted the Denmark flag and a pair of hands in prayer.
The Three Lions’ opener against Croatia at Wembley at 2pm today had appeared in the balance in the immediate aftermath of Eriksen’s collapse.
But the Denmark versus Finland match resumed around 90 minutes after the horror — with Finland winning 1-0 — and Belgium versus Russia also went ahead last night.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, a club team-mate of Eriksen at Inter Milan, dedicated his goal against Russia to his pal by sprinting to a camera and shouting: “Chris, Chris, I love you.”
Fabrice Muamba, 33, who suffered a cardiac arrest playing in a televised FA Cup match for Bolton against Spurs in March 2012 tweeted earlier: “Please God.”
Rashford’s England and Man Utd team-mate Jesse Lingard wrote: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family . . . praying everything is OK.”
England and Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, expected to start against Croatia today, said: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family.”
Inter Milan’s Ashley Young, a former England player, wrote: “Please bro, please” followed by praying hands. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who also plays in Italy for Inter’s rivals Juventus, posted a pic of the pair playing against each other in an international match.
He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian and his family. The world of football stands together hoping for good news.
“I’m counting on finding you soon back on the pitch, Chris! Stay strong.”
Love Island doctor Alex George praised the stadium medical team.
He said: “Absolutely incredible response by the medics on the field. If reports are correct, then their actions have saved Christian Eriksen’s life. I hope he makes a good and swift recovery.”
England player turned pundit Alex Scott was in tears in the BBC studio. She said: “I’m just sitting here and praying. I actually just got on my phone, I messaged my mum and told her I love her.
“I think it is a reminder of how quickly life can change.”
Host Gary Lineker added: “Football doesn’t matter.”
Ex-Spain and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas said on the same BBC coverage: “All that matters is family, football doesn’t matter. My body is shaking. All I can think about is Christian’s family and what they must be going through.”
Former BBC Football Focus presenter Dan Walker hailed the reaction of the Danish players who were seen comforting Sabrina at the side of the pitch.
Walker said: “His Denmark team-mates deserve the highest praise and respect.
“They demanded immediate medical help, screened him from the cameras and preserved his dignity and consoled his family.” The official Tottenham Twitter account said: “All of our thoughts are with Christian and his family.”
Spurs’ Spanish defender Sergio Reguilón said simply: “Eriksen” followed by prayer emoji and heart.
Broadcaster and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan commented on images of the stricken player appearing to be conscious as he was wheeled from the pitch.
The ex-Good Morning Britain host said: “Very encouraging development after the desperate earlier scenes. Hope and pray he’s OK.” There were also messages of support from the Premier League, France’s Paris St Germain, managed by former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, and the Scotland team.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
