Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen will recall the last European Championships for all the wrong reasons.
The Dane collapsed on the pitch and almost died, with his life and career considered to be at risk.
Christian Eriksen survived and three years on, after clinching a transfer to Manchester United in between, he is now starring at Euro 2024.
Featuring in Denmark’s opening game of the tournament, Eriksen scored the opening goal in their group stage match with Slovenia.
Christian Eriksen plays key role
Christian Eriksen played as part of a three man midfield for Denmark alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Morten Hjulmand.
He was in an advanced position as he drifted inside the box early on to link up with striker Jonas Wind, and direct a shot into the bottom corner.
It was a special moment for the Manchester United midfielder, to score at the European Championships three years since his brush with death.
Eriksen’s performance was praised by BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin, who liked the way Denmark used him in midfield.
Nevin said: “He’s playing like a quarter-back, Christian Eriksen. He is just picking up spaces in those pockets and he sees passes that no-one else sees
“It is a masterclass of how to play that position.
“Usually someone drops a little bit deeper but no one has. It takes intelligence to find that space and he has got it. He has been a joy to watch.”
Eriksen creates seven chances
Eriksen was especially dangerous on set piece duty for Denmark, helping his side provide a threat, but they struggled to find a second goal.
The midfield veteran created seven chances in total, although few fell the way of Rasmus Hojlund, who had just one shot the entire game.
Eriksen lasted all 90 minutes, but saw Slovenia fight back into the game and salvage a draw courtesy of a deflected equaliser.
It was a tough goal for Denmark to concede. They have England up next, before their final group match against Serbia.