Declan Rice was handed a custom-made pair of trainers by England legend Frank Lampard to mark his fiftieth cap for his nation.
Rice, 25, has been an integral participant for the Three Lions underneath Gareth Southgate ever since making his debut in 2019, starring in England’s run to the ultimate of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Regardless of Southgate’s squad dealing with a number of absentees for the friendlies in opposition to Brazil and Belgium over the previous week, Rice remained out there and performed the complete 90 minutes in each fixtures.
The Arsenal star was even given the captain’s armband by Southgate for Tuesday’s conflict in opposition to Domenico Tedesco’s outfit, with regular skipper Harry Kane sidelined on account of an ankle harm.
The honour of main the crew got here on Rice’s fiftieth look for England and the previous West Ham skipper’s achievement was additionally recognised in one other manner.
Declan Rice was handed a custom-made pair of trainers by England legend Frank Lampard
Rice was given the bespoke Adidas boots by Lampard to mark his fiftieth cap for the Three Lions
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Former England midfielder Lampard – who scored 29 targets in 106 caps for England between 1999 and 2014 – met up with Rice in collaboration with Adidas forward of the sport to current him with a one-of-a-kind pair of trainers.
The design of the adidas Copa boot included the colors of England – purple, white and blue – with a particular 50 caps message on the aspect, whereas the nationwide flag was additionally emblazoned throughout the bespoke design.
When presenting Rice with the boots, Lampard shared a couple of phrases with the Arsenal man and hailed him for reaching the milestone.
‘Declan shouldn’t underestimate this achievement,’ he stated. ‘Each child taking part in soccer rising up goals of taking part in for his or her nation, so to hit 50 caps is one thing very particular.
‘I’m excited to see what the summer season brings for him and this younger crew going into the Euros.’
Rice echoed these ideas and added: ‘It’s a huge achievement for me to succeed in this milestone.
‘These near me, understand how a lot taking part in for my nation means, so to hit 50 caps is unimaginable. I’m excited to put on my new boots on the sector to rejoice the second.’
Rice wore the bespoke boots throughout England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday
The boot included the colors of England – purple, white and blue – with a 50 caps message on the aspect, whereas the nationwide flag was additionally emblazoned throughout the bespoke design
In dialogue with Lampard, Rice additionally claimed he could not fairly consider he had performed so many occasions for the Three Lions.
‘I do not suppose you ever do (think about reaching 50 caps),’ he added. ‘However whenever you’re in it and taking part in effectively, there’s so many high gamers who can get picked, so you must be at it each time you go.
‘And you must achieve the managers belief and over the 5 to 6 years I have been concerned in set-up, I have been concerned in just about each one. To achieve my fiftieth cap goes to be a really particular milestone for me.
‘It is loopy (to have my very own {custom} boot). Like, you would not even think about having your personal boot, particularly for a fiftieth cap. I do not what what to say, you affiliate having signature boots with Ballon d’Or winners and I’ve bought pair.’
Rice performed the complete 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw in opposition to Belgium, as England twice got here from behind due to targets from Ivan Toney and Jude Bellingham, with Youri Tielemans netting a double for the guests at Wembley.
Talking on Monday after being introduced as England’s captain for the conflict, Rice – who initially performed three video games for the Republic of Eire in 2018 having come by means of their youth system – outlined what an honour it will be to steer his nation.
‘I am speechless and misplaced for phrases,’ he stated whereas sitting alongside Southgate at a press convention.
‘When he (Southgate) instructed me final evening I used to be going to be captain, I gave him a hug, shook his hand and stated thanks very a lot.
‘I owe him lots since I first got here into the crew. He is at all times made me really feel at house and I’ve at all times felt so comfy taking part in underneath him.
Lampard – who received 106 caps for England – hailed the Arsenal midfielder for his achievement
Rice additionally outlined his disbelief at having a particular boot created for him to mark this milestone
‘I’ve actually grown in confidence so on my fiftieth cap to stroll out at Wembley in entrance of my household and pals, it is an absolute honour.
‘I am a bit speechless to be sincere with you.’
Following the video games in opposition to Brazil and Belgium over current days, England return to motion once they face Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland in two pre-Euro 2024 friendlies in June.
The Three Lions begin their event marketing campaign in opposition to Serbia on June 16, with Denmark and Slovenia additionally in England’s group.
