Declan Rice involved in heated altercation with Slovakia manager after England win

In a dramatic night in Gelsenkirchen, England midfielder Declan Rice found himself in an altercation with Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona after the Three Lions secured a spot in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. The incident occurred as Calzona angrily approached the referee at the end of extra time, leading to a physical confrontation where Rice was shoved in the chest. Despite appearing ready to shake hands, Rice reacted to Calzona's actions by shoving back, prompting intervention from teammates and coaching staff from both sides. Referee Umat Meler reached for a yellow card during the confrontation, although the recipient was unclear. The tense situation unfolded after Jude Bellingham's stunning last-minute overhead kick saved England from a potential embarrassing defeat to Slovakia. The 20-year-old Real Madrid star's equalizer in the dying moments forced the match into extra time, where Harry Kane ultimately secured the win for England with a header. Bellingham's crucial goal not only rescued Gareth Southgate's side but also sparked jubilant celebrations among the players and fans, with the midfielder being mobbed by teammates and lauded for his pivotal contribution. Following the match, Calzona provided his perspective on the altercation, stating that Rice was supposed to bid farewell to the referees before leaving but continued speaking, leading to the confrontation. Despite the heated exchange, Rice eventually shook hands with the Slovakia players while expressing his displeasure with Calzona's actions. The incident added a controversial twist to an already intense match that saw England rally from a goal down to secure a hard-fought victory and advance to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday. As tensions ran high on the pitch, the clash between Rice and Calzona highlighted the competitive spirit and emotions at play during the Euro 2024 encounter. The physical altercation underscored the stakes involved in the high-stakes tournament, where every moment and decision can have significant implications for the teams and their quest for glory. With England's resilience and determination on full display, the incident served as a dramatic footnote to a thrilling match that showcased the passion and intensity of international football at the highest level.