World Cup 2014: England physio Gary Lewin to return home after suffering bizarre ankle injury

The 50-year-old injured himself while celebrating England's equaliser against Italy and will be replaced by his assistant Steve Kemp for the remainder of the tournament

Gary Lewin is stretchered off, dislocating his ankle after landing on a water bottle (GETTY IMAGES)

England physio Gary Lewin is to return home from the World Cup after suffering a fracture and dislocation of his ankle while celebrating Daniel Sturridge's first-half equaliser in Saturday night's 2-1 defeat against Italy.

The Three Lions' leveller came just moments after Claudio Marchisio had given the Azzurri a goal advantage in their Group D encounter in Manaus.

Sturridge celebrated his close-range strike in his normal style, while Lewin jumped off the bench and injured himself in the process.

"That was a very sad moment for us," England boss Roy Hodgson said. "In celebrating the goal he jumped up, landed on a water bottle and dislocated his ankle.

"It was very painful. He was taken to hospital. The doctor set it, put it back in at the side of the field, but it's the end of the World Cup for Gary."

Lewin left the field on a stretcher after a short break in play, with the team's Twitter official feed, england, swiftly confirming the severity of the injury.

"England physio Gary Lewin was injured during celebrations for england's goal," the post said. "He has dislocated his ankle. Get well soon Gary #3Lions"

The Football Association later said the 50-year-old Londoner had suffered a fracture and dislocation.

An FA spokesperson added: "We do have another physio with us - Steve Kemp."

Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli went on to net the winner for the Italians five minutes into the second half at the Arena Amazonia.

PA