How Declan Rice responded to being named England captain for Belgium clash

England’s final game during the March international break sees them play host to Belgium in a friendly clash on Tuesday evening.

The Three Lions were handed a rare 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil on Saturday but are 8/11 favourites with bet365 to pick up the win over Roberto Martinez’s side.

England to beat Belgium

England vs Belgium

8/11

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Declan Rice named England captain

England’s all-time top goalscorer and current captain, Harry Kane, missed the win over Brazil and has since left the national-team camp due to injury.

As a result, Gareth Southgate has opted to name a different captain for the meeting with Belgium on Tuesday.

The man the former Middlesbrough boss opted for is Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, who previously captained West Ham before making the move to north London.

On being named England captain for this week’s game, Rice said: “I’m speechless, to be honest, absolutely lost for words.

“When [Southgate] said to 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. I’ve felt so comfortable playing under him and I’ve really grown in confidence. On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it’s an absolute honour.”