England’s Declan Rice was seen in a heated exchange with Slovakia’s coach Francesco Calzona after England’s comeback win, setting up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland.
Bollywood Fever: Declan Rice was caught in a heated altercation with Slovakia’s head coach Francesco Calzona following England’s hard-fought victory in the Last 16, setting up a quarter-final match against Switzerland. The incident occurred after England’s dramatic comeback, where Rice played all 120 minutes in the central midfield.
Tensions flared post-match as Calzona confronted the officials over a contentious decision. Rice approached the Slovakia coach, leading to a physical and verbal clash. Calzona shoved Rice, prompting players from both sides to intervene. Video footage circulating on social media appeared to capture Rice calling Calzona a derogatory term.
England teammate Ivan Toney intervened to separate Rice from the escalating situation, with another Slovakia staff member pushing Rice in the chest. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale also attempted to calm Rice as he continued to exchange heated words with the Slovakian coaching staff. Amid the chaos, the referee issued a yellow card, though it was unclear who it was intended for.
Rice did not address the altercation during his post-match interviews, choosing instead to highlight England’s perseverance and Jude Bellingham’s crucial equalizer. “I cannot describe the feeling representing England. European Championship round of 16 you look up at the clock and you think ‘we could be going home here’. There are players saying to each other one minute to go and there is that inner fight and spirit in us,” Rice told BBC Sport.
He praised Bellingham’s remarkable goal and acknowledged Slovakia’s strong performance. “It was a big moment for 21-years old, that takes a lot of guts. People don’t understand what you have to go through to get over the line. We are not playing against invisible men. They are top footballers, they kept going after us.”
Rice also expressed gratitude for the support from England fans, emphasizing the team’s determination and unity. “The fans tonight I cannot speak highly enough of them. So grateful they are all here to experience that.”
Captain Harry Kane’s goal 52 seconds into extra-time secured England’s passage to the quarter-finals. The Three Lions will face Switzerland next Saturday, with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
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