Declan Rice to Captain England on 50th Appearance
Declan Rice is set to enjoy a significant milestone as he captains England on his 50th appearance for his country in the upcoming friendly against Belgium.
Rice’s Growth and Reflection
At 25 years old, Rice reflects on his journey, stating, “I think I have grown so much as a player and a person since I first came into the group at 19.”
He acknowledges his development, saying, “I was probably a bit of a nervous player when I first came into the England squad, but as time has gone on I’ve played more big games, more games at major tournaments. I have enjoyed every moment.”
Rice expresses his excitement about reaching the milestone of 50 caps, describing it as a “pinch me moment” and an honor to play at Wembley in front of his family and friends.
Challenges Faced by England
England manager Gareth Southgate discusses the challenges the team has encountered due to injuries, noting, “It is an incredible number who are unavailable to us.”
Despite the setbacks, Southgate sees this as an opportunity for other players to step up, emphasizing the difficulty at the international level.
Jude Bellingham’s Recovery
Southgate confirms that Jude Bellingham is set to play the whole game after recovering from cramp that forced him off in the previous match against Brazil.