Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona shoved the England star (Pictures: ITV)
Declan Rice was held back by his England team-mates after being shoved by Slovakia’s manager following the Three Lions’ dramatic Euro 2024 last-16 victory.
Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona made a beeline to the officials after his side’s devastating Euros defeat but found Rice in his path.
Rice looked like he was about to offer his commiserations to Calzona but the 55-year-old Italian shoved Arsenal’s record signing in the chest.
Understandably not best pleased, Rice reacted angrily and shared some heated words with the manager before Ivan Toney and Aaron Ramsdale tried to drag Rice away and bring calm to the situation.
But Rice was still furiously shouting at Calzona as the pair were separated before he finally began congratulating his England team-mates on an incredible turnaround.
While his actions are indefensible, Calzona was understandably frustrated after seeing his side come agonisingly close to a Euros quarter-final.
Slovakia took a deserved lead on 25 minutes through Ivan Schranz’s goal and then frustrated England for over an hour as they eyed an unlikely run to the quarter-finals.
But in the dying seconds of normal time Jude Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick to keep England in the Euros, before Harry Kane headed the Three Lions ahead in the first minute of extra-time.
Gareth Southgate’s side saw out the game reasonably comfortably to advance to the last-eight, where they will face Switzerland following their impressive victory over holders Italy.
Following England’s incredible turnaround, captain 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.
Rice celebrating with England goalscorer Jude Bellingham (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
On Bellingham’s remarkable equaliser, Kane 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.’
Bellingham, meanwhile, said: ‘I know what I can deliver in those moments.
‘Regardless of what people say, I’ve done it this year for Madrid, I’ve done it for England before. Just happy to help the team.
‘It’s a good win, through to the next round. Very happy. It’s been tough the last week or so to keep the negative energy out of the camp.
‘I think today they will have been ready for us. We showed the character that England’s missed. It’s very important to get through.’
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