Declan Rice ready for ‘pinch me moment’ when he captains England against Belgium

Declan Rice is ready for a “pinch me moment” when he captains England for the first time on Tuesday against Belgium.

The Arsenal midfielder, who will win his 50th England cap in the friendly, has been in great form for the Gunners since his club-record £105million move across London from West Ham last summer.

His fine season will continue when he leads his country out as skipper in front of a sold-out Wembley in the final match before manager Gareth Southgate names his 23-man squad for Euro 2024.

“Fifty caps is a pinch me moment,” he said. “It is going to be an honour tomorrow night and I’m really looking forward to it. I think I’ve grown so much as a player and a person since I first came into the group at 19.

Gareth Southgate has confirmed that @_DeclanRice will captain the #ThreeLions for the first time tomorrow night!

He'll also win his 50th international cap pic.twitter.com/j0Qxnt5Flz

— England (@England) March 25, 2024

“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 Premier League games, more games at higher levels, big major tournaments.

“I think I’ve grown into it in the side. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it.”

Asked about Southgate’s decision to name Rice as captain in what will likely be a much-changed side, the former West Ham skipper added: “I was speechless to be honest, absolutely lost for words, when he said to me last night I was going to be captain.

“I gave him a hug, shook his hand, and said ‘thanks very much’. I owe him a lot. Since I first came into the team he’s always made me feel at home.

Fifty caps is a pinch me moment

“I’ve always felt so comfortable playing under him. I’ve really grown in confidence, for my 50th cap to walk