England star Declan Rice involved in altercation with Slovakia boss after their 2-1 win in Euro 2024 tie
England midfielder Declan Rice was involved in an on-field clash with Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona after their Euro 2024 Round of 16 tie. The Three Lions came from behind to overcome Slovakia after extra time and reach the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Despite finishing at the top of Group C, most fans agreed that England were poor for much of the group stage, and barely improved from the start of the Slovakia game. The Three Lions lacked bite and a cutting edge against their underdog opponents and came within 85 seconds of crashing out at their hands.
Arsenal star Declan Rice, Britain's most expensive footballer ever, was central to all the Three Lions did against Slovakia, featuring for the entire 120 minutes. Following the final whistle, he was standing near the referee when Slovakia boss Calzona angrily remonstrated with the official about a no-call late in extra-time.
Rice attempted to intervene but was met with a shove to the chest from the Italian coach, who was in charge of Napoli for part of the 2023-24 season. The 25-year-old immediately confronted Calzona, exchanging angry words with him before members of both teams separated them.
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Declan Rice put on a colossal shift in midfield for England and was an unsung hero for his team in Gelsenkirchen. He registered a 90% pass accuracy in the game and was 100% in his long balls completed, also winning six of six ground duels attempted in the game.
The former West Ham United man made ten ball recoveries, won two tackles, made two clearances and two interceptions. He has been a big player for Gareth Southgate's side and will have an important role to play in what remains of the tournament.
Declan Rice features as England down Slovakia in Euro 2024
Arsenal star Declan Rice put on a man-of-the-match display to help England claim a narrow 2-1 win over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 meeting. The versatile midfielder was key for the Three Lions in what was a largely flat performance.
Slovakia took a shock lead midway through the first half when Ivan Schranz ran through on goal and finished calmly. The English side huffed and puffed but could not find a way past the resolute Slovakian rearguard. Rice struck the upright as he sought to help his side, and this came after a Phil Foden effort was ruled out for offside.
Jude Bellingham scored in the fifth of six added minutes to draw the Three Lions level before Harry Kane headed home in the first minute of extra-time. Southgate's men will now face Switzerland, who eliminated Italy, in the next round of the tournament.