ENGLAND fans were left breathing a huge sigh of relief after momentarily believing Declan Rice had been sent off.
The West Ham midfielder avoided a narrow escape in the eighth minute of England’s heroic 2-0 win over Germany.
Leon Goretzka was bursting through on goal with Rice desperately attempting to stop him in his tracks.
The 22-year-old then clumsily took down his fellow midfielder right on the edge of the box.
Despite Germany’s protests for a straight red, referee Danny Makkelie brandished a yellow much to the relief of supporters inside Wembley.
However some eagle-eyed fans watching from home initally thought Rice had been given his marching orders.
Makkelie appeared to be holding a red card before switching to a yellow.
Twitter account Football Joe wrote: “Nearly died a little bit there.”
Another viewer wrote: “They stopped talking quickly about how ref bottled that red for Rice…”
Other England fans believed it was only a matter of time before Rice was sent off.
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One wrote: “Get Rice off now. Red card waiting to happen.”
Another added: “Rice red card bingo? I’m going 53rd minute.”
A third said: “Rice is getting a red card here. Definitely.”
But Rice managed to keep his cool and avoid another offence as he helped steer the Three Lions to a famous win.
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