Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona has said England midfielder Declan Rice apologized to him after their tense exchange of words at Euro 2024 on Sunday night.
Former Napoli coach Calzona was seen pushing Rice shortly after the final whistle in England’s 2-1 extra-time victory in the round of 16.
According to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, an irate Rice told Calzona, who was trying to speak to the referee: “Shut up, fuck, hey, shut up, you bald piece of shit.”
Calzona later revealed that he wanted to speak to the referees in normal time to complain about their failure to punish England’s time-wasting tactics during extra time.
“Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave,” Calzona said. “I had to talk to the referees and he wouldn’t leave, he continued. But then he apologized and everything was fine. I didn’t like the way the England team was wasting time and not getting punished.”
Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona, pictured speaking at a press conference on Sunday.
Calzona had previously been involved in a post-match argument with England star Declan Rice (left).
Calzona’s side had been just seconds away from a famous victory before Jude Bellingham scored a spectacular equaliser in the 95th minute.
That cancelled out Ivan Schranz’s first-half opener before Three Lions captain Harry Kane headed in the winner just 51 seconds into extra time.
“The disappointment is huge,” Calzona added. “But I feel more pride than disappointment. We almost won and advanced against a world-class team. We tried very hard, we almost advanced. We didn’t make it.”
‘In extra time we spent half an hour in the opposite field. “I’m proud that we did it this way and that we did a great job.”
Asked if his team, which tried to attack as much as possible, could have done more to prevent England’s two goals, Calzona responded: “Unfortunately, we conceded a goal with a few seconds left. Our team is not worth as much as it is. If “You don’t pay attention, you get punished, I don’t want to blame or name anyone.”
“At that time we should have been more aggressive in defending individual players. I didn’t like the refereeing of the game. That’s not why we lost. I’m proud of our team.”
Slovakia would have beaten England if it hadn’t been for an incredible last-minute goal from Jude Bellingham
Calzona was proud of his team despite their eventual defeat in extra time in the round of 16
Calzona said he told his players in the locker room: ‘You’ve done a great job, you’re fantastic.’
And he continued: “What else can I tell you? We played balanced games with everyone, we had chances, we scored goals. The statistics also confirm it.”
‘Everyone is very disappointed because we were almost in the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, the dream has faded away, but we have to accept it.’