Euro 2024 chiefs perform Jude Bellingham investigation U-turn after England antics in Slovakia win

Harry Kane then produced the winner for England, with the Bayern Munich hitman heading home in the first minute of extra-time.

After the game, both Bellingham and Rice found themselves in the spotlight.

Bellingham appeared to perform a rude gesture, though the 21-year-old has since insisted it was an 'inside joke' with some friends who were watching the match in the stands.

He said on X: "An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.

"Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."

As for Rice, the Arsenal midfielder clashed with Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona as tempers boiled over at full time.

There have been fears that UEFA chiefs at Euro 2024 could dish out punishments to the pair.

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Yet while the Daily Mail say UEFA have no plans to punish Rice, the Telegraph say the governing body WILL investigate Bellingham. They had previously intended not to, but a U-turn has now been made.

"A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match. Information on this matter will be made available in due course," a statement reads.

England will need the pair for Saturday's quarter-final showdown with Switzerland.

The Swiss have been in fine form at Euro 2024 so far - with Saturday's 2-0 win over Italy their best result of the tournament.

Bellingham is simply undroppable for England, even if the Real Madrid star has been inconsistent.

And Rice will always be a key player for Southgate, with the former West Ham midfielder hitting the post against Slovakia on Sunday.

READ MORE: England star was 'disgusted' with Gareth Southgate during dramatic Euro 2024 win over Slovakia

Slovakia boss Calzona, meanwhile, said Rice apologised after their heated exchange at full time.

“Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave," said the Italian.

"I had to speak to the refs and he wasn’t leaving, he carried on.

"But then he apologised and it was all fine."

Calzona also said he was proud of the way his side performed, even if it wasn't enough to reach the last eight.

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“I am absolutely proud because we played a great match against an opponent in contention for the title, for victory," he said.

"My team showed a lot of quality; we were really good, we conceded very little, and we came very close to qualifying.

"It's a pity. But then we didn't fall apart in the extra time.

“We spent 30 minutes in their half, and it’s a source of pride to see that a team like that brought in defenders and defensive midfielders just to get a result.

"The final result? We have to say that we conceded a goal with just a few seconds left, scored by a player who costs 100 million euros, and this is a squad worth 1.5 billion.

"It's understandable that if you gift them half a metre, they can punish you.

“I don't feel like blaming any player; it's clear that at that moment we needed to be a bit more aggressive, closer to the man, but it went that way.”