We would do anything to protect this manager â Rice
Highlights: England 2-1 Slovakia
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Declan Rice said Englandâs players would âdo anything to protectâ manager Gareth Southgate after they came from behind to seal a dramatic last-16 victory over Slovakia.
Three Lions boss Southgate had come under fire following his sideâs poor performances at Euro 2024, but Jude Bellinghamâs stunning injury-time overhead kick and Harry Kaneâs extra-time effort salvaged the success after going behind in the first half.
Cups were thrown at Southgate and some fans jeered after their group-stage draw with Slovenia, but he enjoyed a warm post-match reception as he celebrated with supporters on Sunday.
âWeâve got a togetherness, we proved that tonight,â Rice told BBC Sport. Weâd do anything to protect this manager, protect each other.
âWeâll keep going and keep fighting and what weâve got as a group tonight showed out there. Itâs an honour to be a part of it and weâre going to give it everything.â
Fellow midfielder Bellingham praised the âsacrificesâ made by the team to help clinch a meeting with Switzerland in the last eight â live on the BBC â on Saturday (17:00 BST).
âWeâve won this game together,â the 21-year-old told ITV Sport. âNot me, not Harry Kane, not the individual moments.
âItâs the likes of Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka going to left-back.
âItâs the sacrifice you make for the team and thatâs the energy we need to keep regardless of what goes on.â
Declan Rice reacts as England progress to Euro 2024 quarter-final
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Published8 hours ago
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Published11 hours ago
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Southgate âso proudâ of England spirit
âWeâre putting plasters over thingsâ
England won just one of their group-stage games, beating Serbia 1-0 in their opener before disappointing draws with Denmark and Slovenia.
While Bellingham and Kaneâs heroics have made it a memorable night, Southgate admitted people will âunderstandablyâ be questioning his sideâs performances in the tournament.
âClearly in the first half we were too slow on the ball and they were compact in midfield,â he said.
âSecond half we changed and I thought, for a young team, we showed great patience. We didnât rush things.â
Southgate added his side have had âloads of problemsâ to solve at Euro 2024, but they will build on their âspirit and beliefâ for the next test against Switzerland.
They failed to create a shot on target before Bellinghamâs superb late leveller and struggled to create chances after Ivan Schranzâs opening goal for Slovakia.
But England were determined in their fightback and Southgate said: âWeâre putting plasters over things and giving young players opportunities and weâre somehow finding a way.
âWeâre still in there and the one thing that canât be questioned is the commitment and desire.â