Christian Eriksen awake and stable after collapsing on pitch during Denmark vs Finland

The former Tottenham midfielder collapsed during the first half of Denmark's opening game against Finland and was given CPR on the pitch

Christian Eriksen is awake and stable in hospital after the Denmark talisman collapsed on the pitch during his country's Euro 2020 clash with Finland.

The Inter Milan midfielder fell to the ground near the touchline as he prepared to receive a throw-in in the 43rd minute of the opening game in Group B.

English referee Anthony Taylor immediately signalled for medical attention as Eriksen's teammates formed a protective shield around their countryman as he was given CPR.

The Finland players and staff left the field as screens were erected around Eriksen while his partner was consoled by captain Simon Kjaer and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Eriksen, 29, was taken from the field on a stretcher before photos began to circulate on social media of him sitting up as he left the pitch.

Eventually UEFA released a statement confirming the player was stable which read: "Following the medical emergency involving Denmark’s player Christian Eriksen, a crisis meeting has taken place with both teams and match officials.

"The player has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised."

The Denmark FA also released a short statement, saying: "Christian Eriksen is awake and is for further examinations at Rigshospitalet. The match is temporarily postponed."

Eriksen did not appear to be challenged before he fell to the turf but the reaction from the players and officials indicated something was seriously wrong.

Before the positive update, Cesc Fabregas said in the the BBC studio: “I don’t even know what to say really.

“My body is shaking. All I can think about is Christian’s family and what they must be going through.

“It’s a very very sad moment and I pray for the very best.

“You realise that it is just a game. We need to enjoy every second and have passion for it but there are things that don't matter anymore; more important is his health.

“Enjoy what you have in life and be blessed. That is it. This is a big shock and a reminder for all of us."

Fellow pundit and former England international Alex Scott added: “I can’t believe what we’re witnessing.

“I think football totally goes out of the window right now. You’re thinking about his family, all the rest of the players out there witnessing it as well.

"I actually just got on my phone and messaged my mum and told her I love her. I think it’s a reminder of how quickly life can change, just like that."

Eriksen's former club Tottenham were among the many clubs to send their well-wishes, tweeting: "Get well soon, Christian. The whole Spurs family is with you."

The midfielder was winning his 109th cap on Saturday as Denmark opened their Euro 2020 campaign.

He had enjoyed a strong end to his domestic season with Inter as the Milan side were crowned Serie A champions.

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