As England secured top spot in their European Championship Elite Round the drama did not remain on the field of play.
Prior to the tournament kicking-off last Wednesday, Albania’s Olger Merkaj found himself in hospital after suffering a burst appendix.
The Sampdoria midfielder recovered to watch his side’s last game against Czech Republic on Monday – but not before a morale-raising visit from Three Lions captain Ryan Ledson.
The Everton midfielder joined rival captains Jan Zarsky (Czech Republic), Federico Bonazzoli (Italy) and Keidi Bare (Albania) in a visit to Merkaj’s hospital bed to check on the youngster’s progress.
Ryan Ledson in action for England U17s versus Italy
Ledson, who is now preparing to lead England in the Malta finals from 9 to 21 May, came bearing gifts. "Although we shared the hotel with the Albania team, I didn't know about their player's bad luck,” he said.
“In fact he was brought to hospital during the night. After the first game we heard he had been operated on in the local hospital.
"I was truly shocked and felt for the lad. Instead of playing the Elite Round, he was lying in a hospital bed, far from home.
"When our team manager told us we could pay him a visit, we immediately agreed. Even our coach came along. I gave him two team shirts, only a small consolation, because it must have been very hard for him."
Merkaj told UEFA.com that he was delighted with the visit. He said: "My stomach started to hurt after dinner the day before the first match. Our doctor gave me some medicine and I took a warm bath.
"It didn't help and in the middle of the night they rushed me to hospital. The next day I was operated on just after noon, when the other players were doing their warm-up for the first game.
"I was in the team for the first time. My parents left Albania when I was seven – that's why I play for Sampdoria. I didn't feel bad in hospital as the doctors and nurses took extremely good care of me.
"When the UEFA delegate arrived on Saturday with four players behind him I was really surprised. I was really very happy."
