Declan Rice expressed his excitement as he prepares to captain England for the first time in his 50th appearance during Tuesday night’s friendly against Belgium at Wembley Stadium.
The 25-year-old midfielder from Arsenal has emerged as a vital player for the Three Lions since his debut in 2019, earning the honor of leading the team in the absence of regular captains Harry Kane and Kyle Walker due to injuries.
Reflecting on the milestone, Rice said, “On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it is a great honour – I’m a bit speechless. It is a pinch-me moment, it will be an honour. I was absolutely lost for words when he [Gareth Southgate] said to me I was going to be captain.”
Rice made his England debut almost exactly five years ago against the Czech Republic after switching his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland, where he made three appearances. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in England’s journey to the final of the 2020 European Championship and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Expressing his growth as both a player and a person during his time with the national team, Rice said, “I have grown so much as a player and person since I first came into the group. As time has gone on I’ve played more big games, more games at major tournaments. I have enjoyed every moment.”
England manager Gareth Southgate has faced challenges with injuries during the March international break, with key players like Kane, Walker, Harry Maguire, and Sam Johnstone ruled out. Despite the setbacks, Southgate remains optimistic, focusing on the opportunities it presents for other players.
Southgate confirmed Jude Bellingham’s fitness after a bout of cramps, while forwards Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney, midfielder James Maddison, and defender Jarrad Branthwaite are also in contention.
Toney, who received his first England call-up since serving a suspension for breaching FA betting rules, will make his return to the squad exactly a year after his debut.
“We’re probably finding out about more players but that’s really helpful. To see all those players against high-level opposition will help us make better decisions moving forward,” Southgate concluded.
Reported By BBC Sports
