Sports

England announce new captain for friendly clash against Belgium at Wembley – with usual skipper Harry Kane still out with an ankle injury

  • Kane returned to Bayern Munich on the weekend to continue his recovery 
  • Southgate has given a new player the honour on a landmark appearance
  • Ian Ladyman: Why I’m glad England lost against Brazil – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast

Declan Rice has been announced as England‘s captain for Tuesday’s friendly with Belgium.

With usual skipper Harry Kane absent from the games against Brazil and Belgium this month due to an ankle injury, Gareth Southgate has had to pick a replacement to lead the team in his absence.

During the 1-0 defeat by the Selecao on Saturday, Kyle Walker wore the armband, before he was forced off with injury after just 20 minutes.

And, for tomorrow’s game against Domenico Tedesco’s outfit, Southgate has given a new player the honour of captaining the Three Lions.

Arsenal‘s Declan Rice is the man Southgate has chosen, with the England boss informing the 25-year-old on Sunday night.

England have announced a new captain for friendly clash with Belgium at Wembley

England have announced a new captain for friendly clash with Belgium at Wembley

Gareth Southgate, left, confirmed Rice will have the honour of captaining his side on Tuesday

Gareth Southgate, left, confirmed Rice will have the honour of captaining his side on Tuesday

Rice, who will lead the Three Lions on what will be be his 50th cap, outlined his delight when speaking alongside Southgate at a press conference on Monday.

‘I’m speechless and lost for words,’ he said. ‘When he (Southgate) told me last night I was going to be captain, I gave him a hug, shook his hand and said thank you very much. 

‘I owe him a lot since I first came into the team. He’s always made me feel at home and I’ve always felt so comfortable playing under him.

‘I’ve really grown in confidence so on my 50th cap to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it’s an absolute honour. 

‘I’m a bit speechless to be honest with you.’

Rice originally played three games for the Republic of Ireland in 2018 after coming through their youth system.

However, a year later he pledged his future to England and made his debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic in 2019.

The midfielder has since become an integral player for Southgate, playing a key role in their run to the final of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Declan Rice will lead the Three Lions out at Wembley as he wins his 50th cap for England

Declan Rice will lead the Three Lions out at Wembley as he wins his 50th cap for England

Rice admitted he was 'a bit speechless' at being confirmed as England captain for the match

Rice admitted he was ‘a bit speechless’ at being confirmed as England captain for the match

Rice boasts captaincy experience at club level having succeeded Mark Noble as West Ham’s club captain in 2022.

As skipper he led the Hammers to their Europa Conference League success in 2023, before moving to Arsenal last summer for £105million.

Last month, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta talked up the prospect of Rice captaining his side in the future.

‘He has got every skill,’ Arteta said.

‘Obviously he has been captain at youth level, he has been captain for West Ham and he is one that sometimes doesn’t need to have the armband.

‘When he talks, people listen and pay attention – and he has got the natural ability to do that.’


Related posts

Tom Brady Scripted Limited Series ‘The Patriot Way’ In Works From ‘The Fighter’ Screenwriters

News Epistle

Wrexham vs Boreham Wood – National League: Live rating, group information, updates in promo quote

News Epistle

Kenny Sansom speaks on rebuilding his life after a battle with booze

News Epistle

Leave a Comment