England physio takes a tumble celebrating goal
England physio Gary Lewin is to return home from the World Cup after suffering a fracture and dislocation of his ankle while celebrating Daniel Sturridge’s first-half equaliser in Saturday night’s 2-1 defeat against Italy.
England physical therapist dislocates ankle celebrating a goal at the World Cup http://t.co/nUpxvZgmBY pic.twitter.com/QI7ar9dbiT
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The Three Lions’ leveller came just moments after Claudio Marchisio had given the Azzurri a goal advantage in their Group D encounter in Manaus.
Sturridge celebrated his close-range strike in his normal style, while Lewin jumped off the bench and injured himself in the process.
“That was a very sad moment for us,” England boss Roy Hodgson said. “In celebrating the goal he jumped up, landed on a water bottle and dislocated his ankle.
“It was very painful. He was taken to hospital. The doctor set it, put it back in at the side of the field, but it’s the end of the World Cup for Gary.”
Lewin left the field on a stretcher after a short break in play.
The Football Association later said the 50-year-old Londoner had suffered a fracture and dislocation.
An FA spokesperson added: “We do have another physio with us – Steve Kemp.”
Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli went on to net the winner for the Italians five minutes into the second half at the Arena Amazonia.
