Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are expected to avoid UEFA charges following controversial incidents during England’s tense Euro 2024 victory over Slovakia. This decision leaves both players available for the upcoming quarter-final against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday.
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham, who scored a crucial 95th-minute overhead kick, was seen making an apparent crude gesture towards the Slovakia bench. However, he quickly clarified on social media that the gesture was an inside joke aimed at friends in the stands, emphasizing his respect for the Slovakian team.
Declan Rice was involved in a heated exchange with Slovakia’s manager Francesco Calzone after Harry Kane’s extra-time winner. Rice reportedly used offensive language towards Calzone, who was attempting to approach match officials. Despite these incidents, UEFA is not expected to pursue charges against either player.
The potential absence of Bellingham would have been particularly significant for England, given his contribution of two out of the team’s four goals in the tournament so far. The decision not to sanction the players aligns with previous UEFA rulings, such as the case involving Cristiano Ronaldo’s similar gesture in a 2019 Champions League match.
Slovakia manager Calzona later explained that his confrontation with Rice stemmed from a desire to complain about England’s alleged time-wasting tactics during extra time. A lipreader’s analysis of the exchange revealed Rice’s use of offensive language towards Calzona.
While England avoids losing two key players, they will be without defender Marc Guehi for the quarter-final due to accumulation of yellow cards. Despite this setback, England are considered favorites against Switzerland, though they will likely need to elevate their performance to overcome the team that eliminated Italy in the previous round.
This development allows England manager Gareth Southgate to maintain a full-strength midfield for the crucial quarter-final match, as the team aims to progress further in Euro 2024.
