Daniel James looked like he was knocked old cold during Wales’ 1-1 draw Croatia – but the winger somehow got up and played on for the remainder of Euro 2020 qualifying match.
The 21-year-old has had an impressive start at Manchester United since his summer move from Swansea, scoring three goals in his opening ten appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils.
Ryan Giggs rewarded James with a start on the left wing on Sunday evening, with Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale out on the right flank in Cardiff.
Nikola Vlasic put Croatia in front after only nine minutes and it appeared Wales’ night was about to get much worse as Domagoj Vida clattered into James’ head from behind.
Looks awful watching it again! Daniel James was knocked out big time. pic.twitter.com/ZS6cHsedWN
— Adam Humphreys (@AdamAce1066) October 13, 2019
James collapsed to the turf and was sprawled out motionless on the floor as Wales’ medical staff rushed to his aid in worrying scenes at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Group E clash paused for several minutes as James’ received treatment on the floor before the United forward somehow returned to his feet and carried on playing.
Croatia looked to be heading into half-time with the lead but Bale, Wales’ hero on so many occasions down the years, had other ideas.
The Madrid forward slotted past Dominik Livakovic in first-half injury time to level for Wales and Giggs’ men held on after the break to share the points with the World Cup runners-up.
Daniel James was just knocked out unconscious! Yet 3 minutes later he has been allowed back onto the pitch ?♂️
— Ryan Mason (@RyanMason) October 13, 2019
Ryan Mason, who was forced to retire after a sickening head collision, was furious with the decision to allow James to carry on in Cardiff.
‘Daniel James was just knocked out unconscious!’ the former Tottenham midfielder tweeted.
‘Yet 3 minutes later he has been allowed back onto the pitch.’
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