Arsenal’s Declan Rice was embroiled in a post-match fracas with Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona following England’s nail-biting win in the Euro 2024 round of 16.
England trailed for most of the match after Ivan Schranz’s early goal put Slovakia ahead, but a late equaliser from Jude Bellingham, who executed a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time, sent the game into extra-time. Harry Kane then stepped up to score a crucial goal in the opening moments after a short break.
Despite Slovakia’s efforts to find an equaliser, England stood strong and secured their place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland. However, the celebrations were marred by a confrontation involving Rice, Calzona, and the match official at the final whistle.
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Rice, attempting to speak to the referee, was shoved aside by Calzona, which did not sit well with the English midfielder. ITV’s Sam Matterface, present at the match, described the scene: “Rice and the manager collided at the end,” he commented on ITV.
“There was a bit of pushing and shoving going on; I think Calzona wanted to confront the officials at full time. Rice was pushed away and there was nothing more than that at the end. England will concentrate on Gareth Southgate getting a seventh knockout game as England manager,” reports football.london.
Mark Pougatch, speaking from the ITV studio, remarked: “Just to reiterate what happened there, Francesco Calzona, the Slovakia coach, went to say something to the referee, and Declan Rice sort of said, ‘Don’t bother getting involved’. Calzona pushed him away, and it was all over sort of quickly.”
Despite the altercation, Rice is sure to be delighted with the outcome, having played the entire 120 minutes alongside Arsenal colleague Bukayo Saka, who also completed the match. Aaron Ramsdale, on the other hand, did not feature in the game but was ready to support Rice during his clash with Calzona.