Declan Rice involved in spat with Slovakia manager after England survived a huge scare to claim 2-1 victory after extra-time to progress to quarter-finals at Euro 2024
Declan Rice was involved in a heated exchange with Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona after England won 2-1 after extra time to reach the quarter-finals of the 2024 European Championship.
TV footage showed Calzona pushing Rice away after approaching referee Umut Meler after the final whistle.
The England star objected and was seen angrily gesticulating and shouting abuse at Calzona before being dragged away by Ivan Toney.
Rice was then seen telling the Slovak coaches and substitutes to ‘shut up’ as he was removed from the situation by Toney and Ezri Konsa.
The incident came after England survived a huge scare when Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic equalizer in the 95th minute before Harry Kane scored the winner less than a minute into extra time.
Declan Rice was caught shouting and making gestures towards Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona
A visibly angry Rice was seen telling Slovakian coaches and substitutes to ‘shut up’
The victory set up a meeting with Switzerland on Saturday, who beat Italy 2-0 in the last eight.
It is unclear what irritated Calzona so much that prompted him to speak to the referee after the final whistle.
He pushed Rice in the chest and was seen directing words at the 25-year-old.
Konsa, Toney and reserve keeper Aaron Ramsdale tried to calm the situation after defending their England teammate.
England played poorly throughout the match in Gelsenkirchen, after falling behind in the 25th minute to a fine effort from Ivan Schranz.
They had to wait until deep into the final stages, when Bellingham’s acrobatic skills saved them from defeat and secured their place in the tournament.
Bellingham’s superb bicycle kick turned the tide when Kane headed home from the extra 30 in the first minute.
England then held on and secured a crucial victory to progress to the quarter-finals and keep Gareth Southgate in his job.