UEFA set to make decision on banning Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice for Euro 2024 quarter-final vs Switzerland: Reports
According to the Daily Mail, UEFA are investigating Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice for their actions during England's Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia on Sunday (June 30). The Three Lions won the game 2-1 after launching a comeback and will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Rice appeared to call Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona a "bald c**t" while Jude Bellingham was seen making gestures towards the stands. Bellingham has since taken to social media and clarify his actions. The midfielder claimed it was a gesture aimed towards a close group of friends and also hailed Slovakia for their performance in the knockout clash.
The Daily Mail initially reported that Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham wouldn't undergo any possible investigation. However, as per their latest report, the governing body are investigating the actions of the two players.
England are set to play Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and either Rice or Bellingham missing the game could be a big blow.
Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia the lead during the game on Sunday. England, however, managed to launch a comeback after Bellingham scored in the fifth minute of injury time (90+5') with a spectacular overhead kick. Harry Kane scored the winner in the first minute of extra time (91').
Slovakia coach claims his team lacked aggression during Jude Bellingham goal at Euro 2024 round of 16
Jude Bellingham's goal against Slovakia was a stellar strike and offered England a way back into the Round of 16 tie against Slovakia. Calzona, however, has claimed that his team needed to be more aggressive during the specific moment.
Speaking to the media after the game, Calzona said (via SPORTbible):
"At that moment, we should have been more aggressive defending individual players. I didn't like the refereeing of the match- it's not why we lost. I am proud of our team."
Slovakia were on the cusp of progress before England's late comeback shattered their dreams.
Calzona's team, however, can keep their heads high for the exceptional performance at Euro 2024. They put up a great fight against England and also defeated Belgium in the group stage of the competition.