Fresh details have surfaced regarding a heated exchange between England midfielder Declan Rice and Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona following England’s dramatic 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 last-16 clash.
In a post-match incident, as jubilant England players celebrated their comeback win, Calzona confronted referee Umut Meler about England’s alleged time-wasting tactics during extra time. Rice intervened, prompting a physical altercation where Calzona aggressively pushed the midfielder. Teammates Ivan Toney, Aaron Ramsdale, and Ezri Konsa intervened to defuse the situation.
According to lipreader Jeremy Freeman, Rice was heard angrily telling Calzona, “Shut up, p***y, oi, shut up, you bald ****.”
Calzona later explained his actions, stating, “Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave. I had to speak to the refs and he wasn’t leaving, he carried on. But then he apologized and it was all fine. I didn’t like the way the England team were wasting time and not punished.”
The match itself saw England equalize late in the game with a spectacular goal from Jude Bellingham, forcing extra time where Harry Kane’s header secured their quarter-final berth. The intense match saw tensions rise, exacerbated by pre-game comments from Rice and Bellingham that added fuel to the competitive fire.
In his remarks after the match, Calzona expressed disappointment over Slovakia’s near-victory, highlighting their effort and resilience against a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Bellingham clarified a controversial gesture post-match, explaining it was an innocent gesture towards friends.
England now prepares to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, aiming to build on their hard-fought victory amidst ongoing scrutiny and criticism.
