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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Chiara Fiorillo

England fan, 29, told mum ‘I love you’ before dying as he celebrated Harry Kane's goal

An England fan told his mum "I love you" just hours before dying as he celebrated Harry Kane's goal against Germany.

Charlie Naughton, 29, was watching the football match with dad and friends when he suddenly fell to the ground.

Paramedics tried to save him for three hours, but the man sadly passed away.

Now, his mum Karen has paid tribute to her son, describing him as an "amazing boy" and "a fit lad".

She said his death was a shock for the whole family and revealed their final conversation as she called him just hours before he passed away.

Charlie told his mum he loved her just hours before he died (Chloe Wise)

Karen told The Sun : "I called him before the game and he said to believe, that he loved me, I told him I loved him.

“He called me mucker, and when France were knocked out he was so excited, he said to me that all we had to do was beat the Germans and we could win. That it was coming home.

“He really lived and breathed football, he’s the biggest supporter you’d ever meet."

Charlie died as Harry Kane scored a goal during the Euro 2020 match against Germany (Getty Images)

Karen said it is not clear how Charlie died, but his family believes he could have suffered a clot or cardiac arrest.

Charlie had celebrated Raheem Sterling's first goal in his local pub, his mum said, but collapsed after Kane scored.

That day, he had finished work early to go to the pub and watch the match as he was a big supporter, Karen said.

Charlie's family posted a statement on social media to confirm his death, saying: "Our darling boy Charlie was suddenly taken from us on Tuesday 29th June 2021 as Harry Kane scored the 2nd goal for England.

Charlie was a big football fan ever since he was a kid (Chloe Wise)

"He was watching the football in his local pub surrounded by family and friends when he suddenly collapsed.

"The emergency services worked tirelessly for three hours to save him but our boy Charlie sadly passed away.

"Charlie had just turned 29 years old and was a passionate supporter of his club and country - Chelsea and England.

"This poignant moment in British history that will be remembered by all but for all of Charlie's family and friends this will be the most devastating time of their lives.

Charlie's death was a shock for the family, his mum said (Chloe Wise)

"As you support and celebrate England through their journey at the Euro's 2021 please raise a glass to our Charlie.

"With a blue heart and the three lions on his chest.

"R.I.P Charlie Naughton. Keep the blue flag flying high. 28/05/1992 - 29/06/2021."

After Charlie's death, Harry Kane vowed the England team would "give it everything" in honour of the football fan.

The footballer tweeted: "I'm so sorry to hear about Charlie passing away - my thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends.

"We will give it everything tomorrow and for the rest of the tournament for fans like Charlie. RIP Charlie Naughton."

A GoFundMe page, aiming to raise money to help Charlie's family with funeral costs, has already raised more than £27,800.

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