England announce new captain for friendly clash against Belgium at Wembley – with usual skipper Harry Kane still out with an ankle injury

Declan Rice has been announced as England‘s captain for Tuesday’s friendly with Belgium.

With usual skipper Harry Kane absent from the games against Brazil and Belgium this month due to an ankle injury, Gareth Southgate has had to pick someone to lead the team in his absence.

During the 1-0 defeat by the Selecao on Saturday, Kyle Walker wore the armband, before he was forced off with injury after just 20 minutes.

And, for tomorrow’s game against Domenico Tedesco’s outfit, Southgate has given a new player the honour of captaining the Three Lions.

Arsenal‘s Declan Rice is the man Southgate has chosen, with the England boss informing the 25-year-old on Sunday night.

Rice, who will lead the Three Lions on what will be be his 50th cap, outlined his delighted when speaking alongside Southgate at a press conference on Monday.

‘I’m speechless and lost for words,’ he said. ‘When he (Southgate) told 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 and I’ve always felt so comfortable playing under him.

‘I’ve really grown in confidence so on my 50th cap to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it’s an absolute honour. 

‘I’m a bit speechless to be honest with you.’

Rice originally played three games for the Republic of Ireland in 2018 after coming through their youth system. 

However, a year later he pledged his future to England and made his debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic in 2019.

The midfielder has since become an integral player for Southgate, playing a key role in their run to the final of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.  

MORE TO FOLLOW