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    Belgium 3-0 Russia LIVE RESULT: Lukaku in emotional Eriksen tribute as he nets double in Red Devils Euro 2020 rout

    BELGIUM have hammered Russia in their opening Euro 2020 fixture.Romelu Lukaku put the Red Devils in front and delivered an emotional tribute to Christian Eriksen, saying ‘Chris, I love you’ to the camera.
    Thomas Meunier then netted a second before Lukaku nonchalantly netted a third as the Belgians laid down a marker.
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
    GOODBYE
    It’s been a deeply harrowing day at the European Championships – but we understand there are reasons for hope.
    Christian Eriksen’s collapse during Denmark’s match with Finland rendered the tournament meaningless in one frightening moment, yet the 29-year-old is now reportedly awake and stable in hospital this evening.
    That game in Copenhagen eventually continued, and so too did events in St Petersburg where Belgium eased past Russia to put down an early marker in Group B.
    Romelu Lukaku – an Inter Milan teammate of Eriksen – was in typically brilliant form, and dedicated his two goals in the 3-0 win to the recovering Dane.
    The competition should continue as planned if Eriksen’s prognosis is as positive as believed, and that means three more games tomorrow including England’s opener against Croatia at Wembley.
    We’ll be back to cover all the action, but our final words tonight are for Christian, and his family, friends and colleagues: Get well soon, you have our very best wishes.
    AN EMOTIONAL NIGHT
    Speaking to Belgian television and radio, Romelu Lukaku admitted that preparations for this evening’s match in Russia was incredibly hard following Christian Eriksen’s collapse in Denmark’s earlier game with Finland.
    There were a lot of tears before the game. It was difficult to focus. Other players were affected too. I’m going to contact him. I read that he’s out of danger. I hope he’ll be in good health soon. I am happy with the victory, but my thoughts are with Christian.”Romelu LukakuSporza
    PHENOMENAL LUKAKU
    With another two goals this evening, Romelu Lukaku’s international form is nothing short of exceptional.

    TOBY’S TRIBUTE
    Belgium’s Toby Alderweireld used to play with Christian Eriksen, and the defender has been quick to send his best wishes to his friend following his country’s win this evening.

    FULL TIME STATS
    It’s been a routine victory for Belgium, who scored with three of their four shots on target.
    Courtesy of UEFA.Com
    FT: BELGIUM 3-0 RUSSIA
    A comfortable win for the number one ranked side in the world. A double from Romelu Lukaku sandwiched an effort from Thomas Meunier as Belgium eased past Russia as has become the norm. The Red Devils’ two-goal hero dedicated his strikes to Inter Milan teammate Christian Eriksen on a night when football felt immaterial in comparison to events elsewhere.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE IS BLOWN!
    BELGIUM 3-0 RUSSIA
    90. Russia win a free-kick inches outside of the box after Boyata clatters Ozdoev on the shin.
    Miranchuk takes charge of the ball and fancies a consolation, but the Atalanta midfielder curls over the top.
    BELGIUM 3-0 RUSSIA
    88. He had barely had a kick in this second half, but Romelu Lukaku often only needs one.
    The Belgian striker was on his toes as soon as Thomas Meunier picked up possession in midfield, and when a crisp through ball followed, he tore away from his marker to plant a first-time shot beyond Anton Shunin.
    Two goals for Lukaku, three for Belgium, and the Red Devils are up and running!

    GOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!ROMELU LUKAKU DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST!!
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    85. It’s just dawned on me that there’s been three shots in this second half, and not one of them has been on target.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    83. Dendoncker is penalised for a poor challenge on Mukhin, lunging at his opponent’s shin in an attempt to recover his own heavy touch.
    I don’t believe a yellow card was shown to the Wolves player, but one should have been.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    81. A beautiful turn by Eden Hazard. The Belgian controls the ball and turns one way in a flash while sending his marker in the opposite direction.
    He’s still got some moves.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    79. The crowd have been partaking in a Mexican wave for the last couple of minutes which should give you some indication as to how this one is petering out.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    76. Despite boasting some superb attacking talent on the bench such as teenager Jeremy Duku, Belgium decide to make Yuri Zhirkov a little better about himself by bringing on 35-year-old Thomas Vermaelen.
    The former Arsenal defender replaces a former Totttenham one in Jan Vertonghen with Eden Hazard taking the captain’s armband.
    Also on is Dennis Praet for Yannick Carrasco.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    74. Eden Hazard picks up the ball for the first time, weighs up his options and then decides to run at the Russians.
    He’s stopped in his tracks by a brilliant Semenov tackle.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    71. Eden Hazard is going to get some minutes under his belt.
    The forward has only started 21 games for Real Madrid over the past two years, but Roberto Martinez believes – hope – he can still have a big impact at this international tournament.
    He joins his brother on the pitch by replacing Dries Mertens.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    69. Dzyuba leaves Vertonghen in a heap, and not for the first time.
    Marking the Belgian striker is not an enviable task.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    66. With the injuries mounting up for Belgium, is that going to be a factor that hinders them from finally winning a tournament?
    De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Witsel are all in the squad but struggling for fitness, and Castagne now looks set for a spell on the treatment table.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    63. Russia’s final two changes, and one of them sees a first half substitute replaced.
    Denis Cheryshev replaced Kuzyaev in the first half, but now the Valencia winger is off for Aleksei Miranchuk.
    Also on is Maksim Mukhin for Roman Zobnin.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    62. Ozdoyev reminds Lukaku that he can’t have it all his own way with a well-timed sliding challenge on the far touchline.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    59. Hazard and Tielemans just exchanged passes four or five times.
    What’s that, a nine-ten rather than a one-two?
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    57. News is filtering through that Castagne sustained a broken eye socket in that first half clash with Kuzyaev.
    It’s a worryingly similar injury to the one suffered by Kevin De Bruyne in the Champions League final.

    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    55. Belgium are hardly hanging on to the lead, but Russia have at least shown some willingness to compete since the interval.
    BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
    54. Dzyuba tests Courtois’ reflexes with a thumping drive, but the whistle had already gone for a foul on Meunier in the build-up.
    Load more entries… More

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    England vs Croatia FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 match

    AFTER more than a year of waiting, England get their Euro 2020 campaign underway.And standing in their way is a Croatia side who snuffed out their dreams of World Cup glory in Russia three years ago.
    Get £20 risk-free bet on England vs Croatia with Paddy Power
    England cruised to Euro 2020 with seven wins from a possible eightCredit: EPA
    Luka Modric and Croatia topped a qualifying group with Wales, Slovakia and HungaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Kieran Trippier looked like he’d put the Three Lions on course for a second ever World Cup final with an early free kick, but Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic goals saw the Croats progress to the final after extra time.
    What time does England vs Croatia kick off?

    What TV channel is England vs Croatia on and can I live stream it?

    England vs Croatia is live on BBC One.
    To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer.
    HRT and Sport Klub are broadcasting Euro 2020 in Crotia.

    Can I watch England vs Croatia for free?

    Team news
    Get all the England vs Croatia team news here.
    England squad

    Dean Henderson (GK)
    Sam Johnstone (GK)
    Jordan Pickford (GK)
    Ben White
    Ben Chilwell
    Conor Coady
    Reece James
    Harry Maguire
    Tyrone Mings
    Luke Shaw
    John Stones
    Kieran Trippier
    Kyle Walker
    Jude Bellingham
    Jordan Henderson
    Mason Mount
    Kalvin Phillips
    Declan Rice
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin
    Phil Foden
    Jack Grealish
    Harry Kane
    Marcus Rashford
    Bukayo Saka
    Jadon Sancho
    Raheem Sterling

    Croatia squad

    Lovre Kalinic (GK)
    Dominik Livakovic (GK)
    Simon Sluga (GK)
    Domagoj Vida
    Dejan Lovren
    Sime Vrsaljko
    Borna Barisic
    Duje Caleta-Car
    Josip Juranovic
    Domagoj Bradaric
    Mile Skoric
    Josko Gvardiol
    Luka Modric (c)
    Mateo Kovacic
    Marcelo Brozovic
    Milan Badelj
    Mario Pasalic
    Nikola Vlasic
    Luka Ivanusec
    Ivan Perisic
    Andrej Kramaric
    Ante Rebic
    Josip Brekalo
    Bruno Petkovic
    Mislav Orsic
    Ante Budimir

    Latest odds
    England 8/15
    Draw 14/5
    Croatia 11/2 More

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    Christian Eriksen’s heroic Denmark captain Simon Kjaer gave CPR before medics.. then comforted star’s distraught partner

    IN the end, Finland won the game — not that anybody really cared.The result that mattered most was delivered in the emergency unit of Copenhagen’s Rigshospitalet. Christian Eriksen was alive.
    The Danish leader then comforted Eriksen’s wife SabrinaCredit: Reuters
    Denmark captain Simon Kjaer started the CPR on team-mate Christian EriksenCredit: AFP
    The Denmark players crowded around Eriksen after he collapsed on the pitchCredit: Getty
    Cajoled into returning to the pitch by their talisman, Denmark summoned up reserves of character to play on having been plunged into the depths of despair little over 90 minutes before.
    That Eriksen was fit enough to FaceTime his team-mates from his hospital bed to tell them to finish the match is remarkable.
    For when the Inter Milan star tumbled to the ground with no one next to him three minutes before the break, everyone in the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen and millions watching around the world feared the very worst.
    But then perhaps no one should really have doubted the character of the Danes to play on,  considering the heroic actions of their captain Simon Kjaer in the seconds after Eriksen had fallen to the grass.
    Ref Anthony Taylor knew  something was up and immediately, commendably, urged the medics on to the pitch.
    But Kjaer was not waiting around and his swift actions may well have saved the life of his team-mate.

    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
    Pohjanpalo gave a restrained celebration after scoring Finland’s winning goalCredit: EPA
    The ball squirmed under Schmeichel and into the back of the Denmark netCredit: AP
    Pohjanpalo timed his run to perfection to head home in the second halfCredit: EPA
    The 32-year-old AC Milan defender dashed from his position and pushed aside other players to immediately place Eriksen into the recovery position, clearly unconscious.
    Kjaer realised what was going on and worked to stop the 29-year-old from swallowing his tongue and then took the life-saving decision to start giving CPR on his stricken friend.
    As the magnitude of what was unfolding began to hit home, players and fans burst into tears as they watched a footballer in a desperate battle for survival right in front of them.
    Step forward Kjaer again, ordering the Danish team to form a ring around their team-mate to give him privacy in those frantic minutes when medics were using a defibrillator to shock his heart back into action.
    Kjaer tries to help his team-mates who are stunned at what is happening on the pitchCredit: EPA
    Finland’s players were left on their haunches praying for a positive outcomeCredit: Getty
    Denmark’s response was remarkable as the players did their best for their pal, striker Martin Braithwaite saying prayers desperate for a successful outcome.
    Midfielder Thomas Delaney was in tears while other team-mates covered their faces with their hands or their shirts.
    And waiting on the opposite touchline, the Finland players were equally distressed.
    The Finland players and match officials returned to the dressing rooms 11 minutes after Eriksen collapsed, while the Denmark players remained on the pitch as fabric screens were held up around the player and the medics treating him.
    Kjaer and the ever impressive Kasper Schmeichel then raced across the pitch to console Eriksen’s distraught wife Sabrina as she raced down from her seat, sporting a shirt with her husband’s name on the back.
    Schmeichel, and especially Kjaer, were magnificent. Calm, composed, decisive. What leaders are made of.
    There were tears in the stands as football took a back seatCredit: AFP
    Denmark’s players incredibly managed to play onCredit: AP
    Even so, as Eriksen was carried away covered by flags for privacy, there was surely no way this match would be played to a conclusion.
    At that stage the signs had not looked good — and around the world, the seriousness of the situation was starting to hit home.
    In London, the England squad watched on in panic on their phones as the team coach made its way to their hotel in West London before today’s game against Croatia.
    The FA had only just updated the media on plans for their pre-match press conference due to be held at 6.30pm.
    Within five minutes, that had been cancelled as rightly, all thoughts turned to the health of a player many in the Three Lions squad know so well.
    Then right as your stomach churned in the deepest fear and despair, came fleeting hope.
    A single photo suddenly appeared online, apparently showing the player awake and breathing as he was leaving the field.
    Hojbjerg missed a second half penalty as Finland keeper Hrádecký got down smartlyCredit: AP
    Behind the scenes, officials and players of both teams began to receive word that Eriksen was on the road to recovery — though it was too early to get carried away.
    But with Sabrina and Eriksen’s father Thomas joining him at hospital, the news suddenly emerged that he was stabilised and indeed the prognosis was a positive one.
    Then came the FaceTime call to the delight of his team-mates, instructing them to finish the match.
    Together with the Finnish players the decision was taken. Game on.
    In a spine-tingling moment, rival supporters united as the Finnish fans chanted “Christian” and the Danes followed up with “Eriksen”.
    Opposition players cuddled each other just before the restart and English ref Taylor blew to resume the game.
    Unsurprisingly, the final four minutes of the first half were flat. And though something of a competitive match developed after the break, there was still a shadow cast over events.
    And perhaps what went before contributed to Schmeichel’s tame attempt to stop Joel Pohjanpalo’s header slipping through his grasp as Finland scored the winner on 59 minutes.
    And just as cruel was seeing Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s poor penalty saved with 18 minutes left, given those duties would have been left to Eriksen in normal circumstances.
    Full-time came, Finland celebrated and Denmark looked shell-shocked.
    Who could blame them?
    A football game was played, points were won. But no one really cared.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Romelu Lukaku scores for Belgium against Russia and dedicate goal to Inter Milan team-mate Christian Eriksen More

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    Team news, injury updates, latest odds for England vs Croatia as Three Lions begin Euro 2020 adventure

    HERE we go again – it’s time to dream that England can finally end 55 years of hurt.Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions begin their Euro 2020 campaign with a clash against Croatia on home soil, looking to banish the ghost of three years ago.
    England will have 22,500 fans at Wembley for Croatia clashCredit: EPA
    Croatia were the side that ended England’s World Cup dream in Russia and you can catch the revenge mission on BBC ONE at 2pm this Sunday.
    England vs Croatia risk free bet + 88/1 bet builder tip
    What’s the form?
    It’s been a breeze for England in qualifying, sweeping through to the finals without a hiccup and currently on a six-game winning run.
    History is – seemingly as always – against the Three Lions though, with England having never won an opening match in the Euros.
    Croatia meanwhile are arguably not the side they were in Moscow, but still carry a considerable threat.
    They topped their qualifying group ahead of Wales and will be desperate to stun the English infront of a partisan home crowd.

    Who’s in and who’s out?
    Southgate has an abundance of talent at the top end of the pitch – it’s at the back where the problems might lie.
    Harry Kane will be trusted with getting the goals, while Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford are all pushing to start either side of the skipper.
    Harry Maguire is back in training but the call-up of Brighton’s Ben White suggests the United man won’t be ready for this one.
    Croatia boast some star names and in the engine room Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ante Rebic will hope to power their side to a shock.
    The best team for the game with Croatia may not be the best team for the game with Scotland.
    We have to make sure we get those calls right.Gareth Southgate

    Watch out for…
    Phil Foden’s questionable barnet.
    The Man City star could be one of the players to light up the tournament after a breakthrough season at the Etihad.
    And in homage to Gazza’s iconic bleached locks at Euro 96, he’s gone blonde himself.
    We’ve a sneaking suspicion that it’ll be Foden’s efforts on the pitch rather than his lid that we’re talking about come July.
    Foden’s new haircut is a throwback to Paul Gascoigne’s locks at Euro 96Credit: Reuters

    England are definitely a quality team and one of the favourites to win this tournament, I don’t think they have any weak points in particular.Ante Rebic, Croatia
    If the game’s rubbish…
    You can count how many times the camera pans to the England Wags in the crowd.
    With the game being at Wembley, you can expect a full entourage to be supporting the boys as they look to make a winning start.
    Harry Kane and his wife Kate have three kids together and got married in 2019
    Reece James is with Mia McClenaghan who is believed to have just finished a law degree Credit: instagram @miamcclenaghan
    Anouska Santos and Luke Shaw have started a family together in recent years – Credit: Instagram / @anouskasantos
    Match odds

    England to win 8/13 @ Paddy Power
    Both teams to score 5/4 @ Betfair
    Harry Kane to score first 13/5 @ William Hill

    *All odds correct at time of publication. More

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    Prince William says he is ‘thinking about Christian Eriksen and his family’ after Denmark star collapses on pitch

    THE Duke of Cambridge has welcomed the “encouraging news about Christian Eriksen”, adding “we are all thinking about him and his family”.Denmark’s midfielder collapsed during their opening Euro 2020 game against Finland and received CPR on the pitch.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Prince William has expressed his concern for the wellbeing of Christian EriksenCredit: AP
    Denmark’s players stood round the midfielderCredit: EPA
    Prince William sent out a heartfelt message to Christian Eriksen and his family
    Prince William, 38, is a huge Aston Villa supporter and keen football fan as well as president of the FA.
    He said in a Twitter message: “Encouraging news about Christian Eriksen, we are all thinking about him and his family.
    “Well done to the medical team and Anthony Taylor for their calm and swift action.”
    Eriksen’s team mates stood round the player as he received medical attention on the pitchCredit: EPA
    Eriksen’s team mates were clearly upsetCredit: Reuters
    Eriksen had just played a short pass towards the end of the first half in his side’s opening game against Finland in the Euro 2020 tournament when he fell face-forward onto the ground.
    His teammates immediately gestured for help and medics rushed onto the field.
    Medical staff ran onto the pitch and performed CPR in an attempt to resuscitate Eriksen.
    Denmark players formed a circle around the medical staff in a bid for privacy.
    Shocked fans in Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium looked on in horror as medics tended to the ex-Spurs star.
    Eriksen’s team mates formed a circle around the Inter Milan ace, with some in tears.
    The midfielder’s wife, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, was seen in tears and being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.
    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
    UEFA later announced the match has been suspended due to a “medical emergency”.
    Both teams left the field with officials holding up sheets to hide Eriksen from view.
    A statement issued by UEFA said: “Following the medical emergency involving Denmark’s player Christian Eriksen, a crisis meeting has taken place with both teams and match officials and further information will be communicated at 19:45 CET. The player has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised.”
    The Danish DBU football association tweeted that the 29-year-old was “awake and at Rigshospitalet for further examinations”.
    Fans waited anxiously for newsCredit: AFP
    Shocked fans watched as Eriksen was taken off the pitch by medicsCredit: Getty – Pool
    Finland’s national side said in a Twitter message: “Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition is stable. The thoughts of Finland’s men’s national team, the Football Association of Finland, and the Finnish footballing family are with Eriksen, his loved ones and the Danish team.”
    Prince William’s sentiments added to the growing shock from the footballing world as well as politicians and celebrities.
    The Football Association said in a statement: “Our thoughts this evening are with Christian Eriksen and his family, and all connected with the Danish Football Union.”
    Marcus Rashford sent a prayer emoji alongside one of a Danish flag on Twitter, while fellow England forward Raheem Sterling posted: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family.”
    Ben Chilwell posted the same and Declan Rice said he was “praying for @ChrisEriksen8”, with Jadon Sancho also expressing that sentiment.
    Many players were visibly upset
    Finland’s players were clearly concerned about Eriksen’s health
    UEFA confirmed Eriksen had been rushed to hospital for treatmentCredit: Twitter
    Many fans in the stadium looked on in disbelief at the distressing scenesCredit: AFP
    UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden was among those who posted online about the “awful scenes” witnessed at the match in Copenhagen.
    Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker, who was in the BBC studio for the match, tweeted: “Thank heavens. Some hope. Thoughts are with him and his family.”
    David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham and shadow justice secretary, tweeted: “Prayers and thoughts for Danish and Spurs Legend Christian Eriksen.
    “We are all rooting for you brother.”

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on the social media site: “Our thoughts and best wishes are with Chris Eriksen and his family.”
    The BBC was forced to issue and apology as fans were outraged the broadcaster did not cut away after Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland but continued filming.
    The BBC said: “We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast. In-stadium coverage is controlled by Uefa as the host broadcaster, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.”
    Danish and Finnish fans spontaneously chant for Christian Eriksen after he collapsed on pitch More

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    Christian Eriksen: England’s Harry Kane ‘numb with shock’ after pal and former team-mate’s horror collapse

    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.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Harry Kane and Katie Goodland at a Bruno Mars gig with Christian Eriksen and Sabrina
    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. 
    Harry and Christian as Tottenham team-mates in 2018 matchCredit: Getty – Contributor
    “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.
    Sabrina and Eriksen with son  AlfredCredit: EPA
    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.”
    Jesse Lingard was just one of the many players and pundits who posted messages of support for EriksenCredit: TWITTER
    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.”
    Devastated team-mates Thomas Delaney and Andreas ChristensenCredit: AFP
    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.”
    Shocked Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, at the matchCredit: Reuters
    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.” 
    Fabrice Muamba, 33, who suffered a cardiac arrest playing in a televised FA Cup match for Bolton against Spurs in March 2012  tweeted: ‘Please God’Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    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.” 
    Stunned fans could not believe what they were witnessing

    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.  
    Fans comfort each other after Eriksen’s horror collapse
    Alex Scott fights back tears and reveals she text mum to tell her ‘I love you’ after watching Christian Eriksen collapse More

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    David Seaman reckons Jack Grealish can give England Euros spark and is just like Gazza… but better looking

    DAVID SEAMAN believes that Jack Grealish is like former England team-mate Paul Gascoigne.. but better looking!The 57-year-old knows all about playing in a home tournament, having starred between the sticks for England at Euro 96.
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    David Seaman saw his first hand what his pal Paul Gascoigne could do for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Jack Grealish could have a handsome impact on the Three Lions this summerCredit: Rex
    Having seen Gascoigne’s impact first hand, Seaman believes that Jack Grealish could offer his country a similar spark 25 years on.
    Asked about whether the Aston Villa captain should start on Sunday afternoon, the 75-cap stopper exclusively told SunSport: “I would defo go with Jack! I love the way he plays, I love the way he makes the little passes. 
    “He’s a bit like Gazza with magical passes as well. Passes that you don’t normally see and all of a sudden he’s just played a player through.
    “His other quality is getting free-kicks. A lot of people say ‘yeah he’s always diving!’
    “I’m like, no, if there’s contact on him and they’re not getting the ball, he’ll go over and he’ll get you a free-kick in a great position in and around the penalty area.
    “We’ve got two great dead ball specialists in (Marcus) Rashford and (Harry) Kane so that’s a massive advantage. Jack’s really hard to tackle. It’s so hard to get near the ball because he’s so good at that. 
    “He knows how to get his body in between the player and the ball and if the player touches him, he knows to go over to get an advantage. There’s nothing wrong with that at all.”
    Further quizzed by SunSport about who else should start behind Kane, Seaman added: “I’ve got to go Rashford on the right. Then it’s so hard, I have to write it down and then when I write it I keep changing it again!

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    Seaman and Gazza are pals to this dayCredit: AFP or licensors
    Grealish’s ability to win dead balls could be crucialCredit: AP
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    “Do you play Foden? Do you play Mount? Or do you play Sterling? For me Foden is brilliant, I love that he’s cut his hair like that as well. He’s added the pressure right on himself as he’s now got to play like Gazza, never mind look like him!”
    When pointed out by SunSport that he had now named two ‘Gazzas’ in his team, Seaman cheekily added: “Yeah exactly, but Jack’s a bit better looking than Gazza! Gazza’ll kill me for that!”
    As one of England’s greatest keepers, Seaman knows a thing or two about what it takes to excel between the sticks with the Three Lions on your chest.
    And despite Jordan Pickford enduring a mixed season during which he was dropped at times by Everton, Seaman has emphatically backed England’s at times maligned first choice.
    He said: “In Jordan you’ve got a guy that, for me, is No1 by far. Because he’s got all that experience from the World Cup.
    “He’s won a penalty shoot-out, at last! The last one was me 25 years ago! 
    Jordan Pickford is set to be England’s No10 this summerCredit: EPA
    Seaman, 57, proudly represented the Three Lions at Euro 96Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    “For me he’s a guy that reacts positively after he’s made a mistake. I’ve seen him make a mistake while at Everton early in the game, but then he’s gone on to make really match-winning saves and kept his team in it.
    “He’s not one of these goalkeepers that makes a mistake and then crumbles. That’s what I like.”
    Going into today’s match, Seaman is wary of underestimating Croatia, as many did in 2018.
    But, given England’s quality, he also sees no reason to fear anyone this summer.
    He concluded: “People are underestimating Croatia. They’re a great team, there’s no doubt about it.
    “We’ve got history with them. It’s the first game of the tournament for us, it’s going to be tricky. 
    But when you look at the England team, you think ‘that team’s good enough to beat anybody’David Seaman
    Everybody’s thinking ‘yeah we’re gonna beat them and Scotland and that’ll be it and we’ll be through.’
    “And I’m thinking ‘the Croatia game might be a little bit more difficult than you think, a little bit harder’. 
    “So we’ve got to be aware. But when you look at the England team, you think ‘that team’s good enough to beat anybody’.”
    Seaman was speaking on behalf of William Hill.
    Seaman comforted Gareth Southgate after his Euro 96 penalty heartbreakCredit: Reuters
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    Mason Mount loving life at Euro2020 with England pal Declan Rice but hates the early wake-up calls More

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    Jose Mourinho: Jude Bellingham has Frank Lampard quality… he can play a BIG part in England’s Euro 2020 campaign

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is going to have a major role to play for England in this tournament, I am convinced of it.And while it’s very dangerous to compare players — especially when you compare them with top, top performers — I do think Bellingham has something of Frank Lampard about him.
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    Jose Mourinho delivers his latest verdict for SunSportCredit: The Sun
    Jose Mourinho thinks Jude Bellingham will be a starter for England by the end the their Euro 2020 campaignCredit: Getty
    Mourinho says Bellingham can be a box-to-box midfielder like Frank LampardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Lampard shoots ten times, he scores nine goals, he always hits the target. But this kid is also capable of scoring from outside the box.
    He defends well as a midfield player but then he has the potential to be offensive.
    I like him very much. He is a box-to-box player, that old-school profile.
    I love everything about Bellingham. I can’t believe his age, only 17. The way he plays, the way he brings himself into the game, shows so much maturity.
    We were aware of him when he was at Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund did a phenomenal job to sign him — as with Jadon Sancho.
    I wouldn’t start Bellingham against Croatia on Sunday because the first game always brings a little pressure. But I’d seriously think about starting him in every other game.
    If you get a good result in the first game, I think this kind of kid can emerge.
    Then if he emerges in a strong way, it is very difficult for the coach to leave him out.
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    I think players buy in more to their national team’s spirit. You see them celebrating like they don’t do at their clubs.
    For Sunday’s game, I would go with Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips to bring more stability. Phillips is someone who gives a team balance — you can’t play all your attacking players.
    Also, I wouldn’t start Raheem Sterling and I don’t think he would mind that as much as you’d imagine.
    For me, Sterling is a player to come from the bench, to kill opponents who are tired and who have yellow cards.
    If you take off a more technical player, like Phil Foden or Jack Grealish, and replace him with a player with speed to attack the space, I would say Sterling is a player for that role.
    If that happens and brings Sterling an extra boost of confidence, then of course he has the quality to start.
    I know Sterling is an experienced player and has been a regular England starter for many years, but I want to believe the national team is a special habitat. Especially in tournaments.
    I think players buy in more to their national team’s spirit. You see them celebrating like they don’t do at their clubs. 
    You see the behaviour of the benches. You see the way they speak before and after matches.

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    Raheem Sterling is fighting for a starting spot against CroatiaCredit: AP
    Kalvin Phillips has been backed to start alongside Declan RiceCredit: Getty
    When one of the guys who is not a starter comes out to speak, they are always positive, always respectful.
    I believe players get a sense of ‘this is an honour, this is a duty’.
    There’s a sense of duty to everybody in the nation.
    So I think the guy that is on the bench for his country doesn’t feel the same way as if he’s been left out by his club.
    I love the right winger to be left footed and vice versa, so I would go with Foden and Grealish, with Mason Mount behind Harry Kane.
    Marcus Rashford, I don’t think he can play on the right. He is a different player on the left to the right. On the right, he doesn’t find space the way he can when he is on the left. On the left is his more natural position when he can cut in.
    He is not a winger but a striker that plays from the side. His position is from the left but I also feel that’s the best position for Grealish and, at this moment, I feel Grealish has to play.
    There are a crazy number of options. You have Sterling, Rashford to come on if you need to attack spaces, Sancho to break defensive walls and Bellingham who can arrive in the box.
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    I would play a flat back-four — Kyle Walker and John Stones with Tyrone Mings and Ben Chilwell.
    I don’t see why you go with a three against Croatia because their strength is in midfield with Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic. Then they have Ivan Perisic on one side, Ante Rebic on the other, but they don’t have top attacking players.
    I don’t see the need to play three at the back but of having a midfield that can compete. Because if not, even if they aren’t a team that scores a lot of goals, Croatia are capable of dominating the game.
    If you let Kovacic, Modric and Brozovic play, I’m not saying they kill you, but they can disturb you.
    I think it’s more important to have a strong midfield and win the game from there. Because you always have three attacking players, which is more than enough.
    And Croatia aren’t very strong in defence with Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida — they aren’t young guys any more.
    I love all England’s right-backs but I’d choose Kyle. I love Reece James, too, but I’d go for Walker for his experience and he has a touch of a centre-back, so he can build attacks from a defensive three.
    Without the injured Harry Maguire, I say Mings because the team needs a voice and leadership.
    Luka Modric will be a huge threat for CroatiaCredit: Reuters
    He is like a captain at Aston Villa, very vocal — aggressive in communication.
    Without Maguire, Stones needs that. Stones needs Ruben Dias, he needs Maguire, he needs Mings.
    At left-back, I think Luke Shaw had a good season but for this game I prefer Chilwell. He is stable, makes very few mistakes and is good going forward. He comes from a Chelsea back five but he’s intelligent. He’s good in the air and it’s important to have people to give you strength and power on defensive set-pieces.
    England shouldn’t be afraid to push up and control midfield, to stop them hiding the ball. Croatia aren’t a counter-attacking team. They need the ball.
    Stones is very fast, Walker too. Mings is not very fast but reads the game very well.
    Behind them, I’d have Dean Henderson in goal. Not because I don’t like Jordan Pickford, but because I was so impressed with Henderson when he was a kid at Manchester United.
    He trained with me and was with me in the squad that won the League Cup final.
    When he asked me to go on loan to Shrewsbury he told me, ‘The next time you see me I’ll come back as No 1’.
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    We were all looking at each other thinking, ‘This kid is crazy, he hasn’t played one game for us and thinks he can go to Shrewsbury and come back as the No 1’.
    But it just shows his  positive attitude.
    United did an amazing job too with his development through loans — Shrewsbury, then Sheffield United in the Championship, then letting him stay there for the Premier League. I think he’s a very good goalkeeper.
    Finally, I predict a win for  Gareth Southgate’s team, though not  an easy win, to break all this negativity about England having never won their first game at the Euros.
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    Jose Mourinho picks his England starting XI for the first Euro 2020 game More