Guardian sports reporter Matt Turner looks back at the opening games of Euro 2020...

WHAT a few days its been, full of massive highs and chilling lows.

When Euro 2020 kicked off, I did not think that when I next wrote this column I would be talking about one of the stars of the tournament fighting for his life with the eyes of the world on him.

Sadly, that is exactly what happened on Saturday when Denmark’s Christian Eriksen collapsed to the ground during their game with Finland in Copenhagen.

It soon became clear how grave the situation was as medics attempted to resuscitate him on the pitch while his teammates shielded him from view.

I can quite honestly say that it was probably the most distressing thing I have ever seen on television and it really shook me to my core.

It really did put everything into perspective. At a time where football is seemingly at the centre of the universe, it really is insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

What really heartened me, though, was the response of everyone on that pitch – the players, the medics and referee Anthony Taylor, whose swift action should be applauded.

Thankfully, Eriksen – a player I admire greatly – is recovering well in hospital and he and his family have my very best wishes.

Should the game have restarted later that evening? Only those involved will know whether or not it was the right decision, but I certainly would have struggled to play under the circumstances.

As for the rest of the action, what a start it was for England against Croatia on Sunday.

The Three Lions did what they had to do in beating on paper the toughest team in their group.

I am a Gareth Southgate fan – I think he is the best person we could have in charge of our national team right now – and I was happy to see three of his most debated selections repaying his faith in them.

Tyrone Mings was assured at the back, Raheem Sterling got a well-taken winner and Kalvin Phillips was the best player on the pitch by some considerable distance.

In many ways, though, I think Friday’s clash with Scotland will be a much sterner test.

Aside from the added spice that comes with an England-Scotland game, Steve Clarke’s side arrive at Wembley needing a result having lost their opener to the Czech Republic on Monday.

They will come out with fire and intensity and if we don’t match it, it could be a tricky night.

Elsewhere, it’s difficult to get a gauge on who is looking good after the first round of games.

Italy certainly impressed me, though, and their 3-0 win over Turkey showed they are evidently brimming with confidence.

Portugal too, led by the irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo, are looking ominous after beating Hungary by the same scoreline on Tuesday.

I’ve not seen anything to convince me to deviate from my pick of France to win it yet, though.

Ask me again in a week…