ENGLAND’S match with Croatia is set to go ahead today as Gareth Southgate’s players sent their “best wishes” to Christian Eriksen.
Three Lions boss Southgate paid tribute to medics who rushed to help Eriksen, 29, after he collapsed in Denmark’s opening EURO 2020 match against Finland.
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England captain Harry Kane, who is close friends with former Spurs team-mate Eriksen, tweeted: “Chris. I’m sending all my love to you and your family. Stay strong mate.”
An FA spokesman said there was “no suggestion” England’s opening Group D clash at Wembley would be postponed.
Eriksen is now “awake” and “stable” after being rushed to hospital from the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Danish football association the DBU said.
The Inter Milan ace is awaiting more medical tests, but reportedly FaceTimed his team-mates from hospital as he told them to finish their Euro 2020 opener after his distressing collapse.
Christian Eriksen latest:
– EURO HORROR Eriksen rushed to hospital in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing on pitch
– PLAY ON Christian Eriksen ‘FaceTimes Denmark team-mates from hospital’ and says play-on
– BEEB FURY BBC apologises after fans slam them for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed
– ‘PLEASE GOD’ Football world prays for Eriksen after Dane collapses and given CPR on pitch
– UNITED IN CARE Touching moment Finland fans give country’s flags to shield stricken Eriksen
– ‘I LOVE YOU’ Watch Lukaku score for Belgium and dedicate goal to Inter team-mate Eriksen
Southgate said: “We are encouraged by the update from the Danish FA this evening.
“On behalf of The 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.”
An FA spokesman said England’s preparation for the Croatia match would continue.
England’s players were on the way to the team’s hotel in north London when the horrifying incident happened.
Southgate and Kane were already at the hotel when the horrifying scenes in Copenhagen unfolded.
Tonight’s shocking incident just before the end of the first half of Denmark;s Group B match with Finland.
Eriksen’s distressed team-mates forming a protective shield around him after he suddenly dropped to the floor.
Upsetting scenes followed, as the midfielder received extensive CPR from the exceptional medical staff.
ERIKSEN GIVEN CPR
He was later seen being stretchered from the past with an oxygen mask while conscious.
The Danish talisman has been “transferred to hospital and stabilised,” UEFA said in a statement later.
With Eriksen having been stabilised and taken to hospital, Uefa confirmed that the match would resume at 7:30pm.
The game had been halted just before half-time earlier in the evening, after Eriksen collapsed.
According to AFP in Denmark, the midfielder was able to FaceTime his team-mates, while German broadcaster ZDF Sportstudio claim that Eriksen himself asked them to carry on.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin wished Eriksen a “full and speedy recovery”.
In a statement, the football chief said: “Moments like this put everything in life into perspective.
“I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith.
“At these times, the unity of the football family is so strong and he and his family carry with them the good wishes and prayers of everyone.
“I heard of fans of both teams chanting his name. Football is beautiful and Christian plays it beautifully.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
