England will face Belgium at Wembley with a slightly changed squad due to numerous injury absentees such as Maguire, Saka Kane and Walker, but that will not be the only thing different about the Three Lions' squad on Tuesday night.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was appointed as England captain by Gareth Southgate, something the former West Ham man spoke about ahead of the game against the Belgians.
"We had an awkward stare at each other. I was speechless. I stood up, shook his hand, gave him a hug and said “thank you so much”. Since I've come into the side, he's put his trust and belief in me. To now win 50 caps and captain the side, I'm speechless," he said.
In doing so, Rice will become the fifth youngest player to reach 50 appearances for England in history, doing so at the age of just 25, something he will know all the better wearing the captain's armband.
March 25, 2024