Declan Rice did not have a day to remember but England were able to scrape by Slovakia and into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
The holding midfielder has been subjected to criticism throughout England's underwhelming campaign, failing to find form as they topped their group in unconvincing fashion.
Former Ireland winger James McClean made headlines in his criticism of the Arsenal star earlier in the tournament, refuting the idea that he is 'world class'.
Rice did little to silence the criticism in England's 2-1 victory in the last 16 on Sunday, his side repeatedly caught out on the counter-attack as they fell behind to Ivan Schranz's opener.
Ex-Ireland player Kevin Kilbane was also critical of Rice on Canadian TV, labelling him a 'real problem' for England in their bid for major silverware during the win.
Declan Rice in heated spat with Slovakia manager
Rice cut an emotional figure after extra-time, finding himself in a spat with Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona after he appeared to protest with the match officials.
The 25-year-old, who played multiple friendlies for Ireland before switching allegiances to England, interjected in the situation before he was pushed by Calzona.
Rice did not take kindly to the shove, confronting Calzona before he was pulled away from the situation by teammates Ivan Toney and Aaron Ramsdale.
In a clip that has been doing the rounds on social media, it has been speculated that Declan Rice appeared to call the Slovakian manager a 'bald c**t' as he was marched away.
Declan Rice calling the Slovakia manager a bald c**t 👊🏴🇸🇰 pic.twitter.com/d1QFGHoJSI
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) June 30, 2024
One would suspect that Rice will keep his place in the team when England return to action in the quarter-finals, although he won't be far from scrutiny after the win.
He did, however, come agonisingly close to equalising for his side from long-distance before Jude Bellingham heroically saved the game on the cusp of full-time.
Harry Kane headed home with winner from close range, but it was substitutes Eberechi Eze, Ivan Toney and Cole Palmer who increased their stock instead of the established starting XI.
