Former England star Paul Gascoigne is expected to remain in hospital for several more days following a horrific car crash earlier this week.

Gascoigne, who played for Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers among others in an illustrious career, was reportedly left choking on his own blood following the incident on Sunday in Newcastle's Quayside area.

The 43-year-old, who became a global star after his performances at the 1990 World Cup, was a passenger in a car which is believed to have left the road before hitting a lamp-post and then smashing into a wall.

Gascoigne was found bleeding profusely on the pavement and was rushed for treatment at Newcastle General Hospital.

He has not yet been allowed to leave and a spokeswoman said yesterday: "He is unlikely to be released before the end of the week."

A 36-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and Dean Smith, a witness to the crash, told The Sun that he was concerned Gascoigne might die.

"He was out cold and there was blood everywhere," he said.

"His face was smashed up. He had a terrible cut over his right eye and was face down in blood.

"There was so much blood he was in danger of breathing it back in. I could hear him gurgling. I put him in the recovery position."

Since quitting football in 2004, Gascoigne has been blighted by drink problems and was arrested twice in two days for alcohol-related crimes in February.

He will stand trial in late July accused of driving while more than four times over the legal alcohol limit.

Gascoigne pleaded not guilty to the drink-driving charge and also denied driving without insurance during his recent appearance before magistrates in North Yorkshire.