30 June 2024 , 18:42
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Declan Rice engaged in a furious bust-up with the Slovakia boss after England's dramatic Euro 2024 last-16 win.
Jude Bellingham saved England from the ignominy of being dumped out of the last-16 by Slovakia as he produced a spectacular over-head kick with seconds left in regular time to force the game to extra time.
Bellingham's shot was England's first on target in another dismal performance from the Three Lions. But just moments after the restart, Harry Kane was on hand to score with England's second shot on target as he headed home Ivan Toney's cross. From there, England defended their lead and secured passage through to the quarter-finals, where they will meet Switzerland.
At full-time, tempers and emotions seemed to flare on the pitch as Slovakia head coach Francesco Calzona stormed over to the officials to have a word. England midfielder Declan Rice appeared to confront the Italian coach, telling him not to get involved. Calzona then appeared to shove the Arsenal midfielder away.
It was suggested on social media afterwards that Rice called the opposition boss a 'bald c***'.
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The Slovakia head coach looked to be upset about a potential foul that went uncalled late in extra-time. England dragged their way to Sunday's knockout clash with Francesco Calzona's side and risked being dragged out of the summer's tournament after another unconvincing display in Germany.
Indeed, Slovakia began the game the better side and were duly rewarded when David Strelec threaded a slick pass into the path of Ivan Schranz who converted with aplomb past Jordan Pickford despite Marc Guehi taking a nibble at his feet in the box.
Slovakia could have put the game to bed shortly after the restart after an inexplicable error in England's backline, but Calzona's side failed to capitalise.
England would prove to be fortunate for the profligacy, as the door was left open with 85 seconds remaining for Bellingham to save Southgate's England.
Bellingham's goal comes after the Real Madrid star was heavily criticised for his lacklustre displays, with the young England star routinely charged with disappearing in matches.
Even so, Bellingham was England's salvation in their opening group stage match against Serbia at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen and once more on Sunday.
Bellingham's heroics will only paper over the cracks of another concerning performance. Southgate's name was booed before kick-off by a select group of fans as his name was read over the PA, while the team were also booed as they made their way back into the dressing room at half-time.
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