Declan Rice reveals honest reaction to Gareth Southgate chat as Arsenal ace given England armband

Declan Rice is super excited to be the captain of England's team for the first time in their game against Belgium. He will be playing his 50th game for England, which feels like a dream to him.

He moved from West Ham to Arsenal for a big £105million and has been doing really well. Now he gets to lead his team at Wembley before the Euro 2024 squad is picked.

«Fifty caps is a pinch-me moment,» said Rice. «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.

»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."

When Gareth Southgate, the boss, told him he'd be captain, Rice couldn't believe it. The former West Ham midfielder 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."

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Rice thanked Southgate with a hug and handshake because he's always made him feel welcome on the team. The Arsenal ace continued: «I've always felt so comfortable playing under him. I've really grown in confidence, for my 50th cap to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it's an absolute honour, you can see it in my