'We'll do anything to protect this manager': Declan Rice insists he and his England team-mates are fully behind Gareth Southgate as Arsenal star hails 'inner fight' that helped overcome Slovakia in Euros last 16

England beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra time in the round of 16 at Euro 2024Declan Rice said after the game that the team were still behind Gareth SouthgateLISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Is Gareth Southgate's LACK of ego a strength or a weakness for England?

England midfielder Declan Rice has insisted that he and his international team-mates remain fully supportive of manager Gareth Southgate.

Southgate's career as Three Lions boss almost ended in a humiliating loss to Slovakia in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 on Sunday night.

However, a stunning 95th-minute equaliser by Jude Bellingham saved the day and forced extra time, after which England eventually prevailed 2-1.

Southgate has faced widespread public criticism for his team selection and tactical rigidity this summer, with his side still yet to produce a convincing performance following games against Serbia, Denmark, Slovenia and now Slovakia.

However, England are still unbeaten at the Euros, just, and Southgate's players are staying loyal to their boss, according to Rice.

Declan Rice pictured (right) hugging Gareth Southgate after England beat Slovakia 2-1

England would have been out of Euro 2024 were it not for a late goal by Jude Bellingham (left)

Speaking to BBC Sport after Sunday's dramatic victory, Rice reflected: 'I cannot describe the feeling representing England in the European Championship round of 16, you look up at the clock and you think "we could be going home here."

'Players are saying that to each other with one minute to go and there is that inner fight and spirit in us.

'We have got that togetherness tonight, we'll do anything to protect this manager. [We will] keep going and keep fighting, it is an honour to be a part of it – we are going to keep going.'

Rice - who was involved in a post-game spat with Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona -  later praised England's opposition.

Southgate (right) has come under fire this summer but Rice says the players remain supportive

Rice was visibly thrilled after helping the Three Lions overcome a tough test against Slovakia

'We are not playing against invisible men,' he added. 'They are top footballers, they kept going after us. It is about waiting for those moments as the game got stretched we created more.

'The fans tonight I cannot speak highly enough of them. So grateful they are all here to experience that.'