DECLAN RICE was presented with a custom set of boots by Frank Lampard to mark his 50th England cap.
The Arsenal midfielder was given the extra honour of captaining the Three Lions as he hit the milestone against Belgium.
Rice made his England debut in 2019 and he has barely missed a game since, completing 90 minutes against both Brazil and Belgium in this international break.
Ahead of the game against the Red Devils he was presented with a unique pair of white Adidas Copa boots by Lampard – one with a blue design and the other red.
The boots are also emblazoned with the St. George’s flag and the number 50 to mark Rice’s milestone.
Rice, 25, wore the boots in England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday, as Lampard praised the midfielder for his achievement.
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The former England star said: “Declan shouldn’t underestimate this achievement.
“Every kid playing football growing up dreams of playing for their country, so to hit 50 caps is something very special.
“I am excited to see what the summer brings for him and this young team going into the Euros.”
Rice added in agreement: “It is a massive achievement for me to reach this milestone.
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“Those close to me, know how much playing for my country means, so to hit 50 caps is incredible. I am excited to wear my new boots on the field to celebrate the moment.”
Rice is a leader for club and country and he revealed he would try and persuade Gunners team-mate Ben White to make himself available for England once more.
Rice said after White turned down a call-up: “The only thing I can say is, it’s Ben’s life. It’s Ben’s decision. We can’t argue with him about what he wants to do.
“Of course, there’s always going to be people writing stuff, having their opinions about what they think.
“But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what he thinks and at this moment in time, he obviously doesn’t want to play for England.
“When he’s on a football pitch, he will do anything to win but also I think for England as well, he can play as a centre-back and at right-back, as in inverted full-back. Now he’s a really key tool that we could have.
“So I hope he changes his mind. Obviously, at this moment in time, he doesn’t feel like he wants that. I think that is his decision.
“I know him and Gareth spoke internally about it. So I don’t know too much of the ins and outs, but I just hope he changes his mind.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
