England star Declan Rice told Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona to shup up in angry scenes after the Three Lions had booked their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Sunday evening. Rice played from start to finish as his country needed extra time to see off Slovakia 2-1 in Gelsenkirchen.
England put in another lacklustre performance against a team ranked at No 45 in the world and fell behind midway through the first half after Ivan Schranz fired the ball past Jordan Pickford.
The Three Lions appeared to be heading for an early exit as they struggled to create chances at the other end, with Phil Foden seeing an effort ruled out for offside.
But Jude Bellingham spared his country’s blushes as he launched an audacious bicycle kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to force extra time. And Harry Kane popped up with a winner in the first minute of the extra period.
After the full-time whistle had sounded, Calzona approached referee Umut Meler to express his views. And Rice was unwilling to let the 55-year-old chat to the official as he intervened and attempted to chat to Calzona himself.
A furious Calzona pushed Rice in the chest, with the Arsenal man shouting “shut up” as he shuffled backwards. And an angry Rice was then held back by Gunners team-mate Aaron Ramsdale as he continued to shout across at the Italian manager.
“Rice and the manager collide at the end, look at the referee,” exclaimed ITV commentator Sam Matterface as the incident unfolded.
And presenter Mark Pougatch later added: “He’s saying something to the referee, Declan Rice sort of said ‘don’t bother getting involved’, Calzona pushed him away, it was all over quickly.”
England are set to take on Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals following their triumph over Slovakia. And after Sunday’s encounter, Three Lions captain Harry Kane said: “When it is that late in the game and 1-0 down in knockout football you need to find a way to claw yourself out of the hole you were in.
“It is not easy to get through in any stage and to get to a quarter-final is very pleasing. Hopefully we can use the momentum and take it forward now.
And speaking about Bellingham’s goal, the striker added: “That’s right up there. To score that type of goal in that moment to keep our dreams alive is one of the best.
“What a player. Credit to him for being ready in that moment. It wasn’t easy. To score that type of goal in that moment just shows the type of person he is.”
