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Andreas Granqvist: Sweden captain makes incredible sacrifice to face England in World Cup
SWEDEN captain Andreas Granqvist made a huge sacrifice to play against England in the World Cup on Saturday.
Sweden captain Granqvist on 'fantastic' Kane
The 33-year-old, who will re-sign for Helsingborgs after his tournament comes to an end, has been an instrumental part of Sweden's campaign this summer.
Granqvist's solid performances at the back and two goals from the penalty spot have guided his country to the last eight this summer.
But circumstances meant the veteran was at risk of not playing in the crucial clash with England today.
Granqvist's wife Sofie gave birth to a baby boy on Friday morning in Sweden.
Whatever happens, I do not miss the quarter-final
But the defender didn't fly home for the birth as he didn't want to miss the game against Gareth Southgate's men.
Speaking earlier in the tournament about his wife's pregnancy, Granqvist said: “I’m planning to stay.”
“My wife is a very strong person and we knew the situation before I came here.
"Nothing has happened so far.
“If I have the position to fly home quickly then I may do that.
"But, whatever happens, I do not miss the quarter-final.”
Granqvist's wife of three years had been keeping her many Instagram followers up to date with her pregnancy progress.
On Thursday she posted a picture of the World Cup star with the caption: “Vi saknar dej.”
This translates roughly to: “We miss you.”