England v Croatia will go ahead tomorrow as players send ‘best wishes’ to Christian Eriksen after he collapses on pitch
ENGLAND’S match with Croatia is set to go ahead tomorrow 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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Tonight, an FA spokesman said there was “no suggestion” England’s opening Group D clash tomorrow at Wembley would be postponed.
Former Spurs star 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.
Southgate said: “We are encouraged by the update from the Danish FA this evening.
ENGLAND’S ‘THOUGHTS WITH CHRISTIAN’
“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 tonight.”
An FA spokesman said England’s preparation for tomorrow’s Croatia match would continue.
England’s players were on the way to the team’s hotel in north London when the shocking incident happened.
Southgate and skipper Harry Kane 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.
He was later seen being stretchered from the past with an oxygen mask while conscious.
ERIKSEN GIVEN CPR
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.
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“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.”