Declan Rice was presented with a pair of custom-made boots by England legend Frank Lampard to commemorate his 50th cap for his country.
Rice, 25, has been an integral player for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate since making his debut in 2019, starring in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. in Qatar.
Despite Southgate’s side facing a number of absences in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium over the past week, Rice remained available and played the full 90 minutes in both matches.
Southgate even handed the Arsenal star the captain’s armband for Tuesday’s clash against Domenico Tedesco’s side, with regular captain Harry Kane sidelined with an ankle injury.
The honor of managing the team came on Rice’s 50th cap for England and the former West Ham captain’s achievement was also recognized in another way.
Declan Rice received a pair of custom-made boots by England legend Frank Lampard
Lampard gave Rice the custom-made Adidas boots to commemorate his 50th cap for the Three Lions.
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Former England midfielder Lampard, who scored 29 goals in 106 caps for England between 1999 and 2014, met Rice in collaboration with Adidas before the match to present him with a unique pair of boots.
The design of the adidas Copa boots included the colors of England (red, white and blue) with a special 50 cap message on the side, while the national flag was also printed on the custom design.
Handing the boots to Rice, Lampard shared a few words with the Arsenal man and congratulated him on reaching the milestone.
“Declan should not underestimate this achievement,” he said. “Every child who plays football dreams of playing for their country, so reaching 50 international matches is something very special.
“I’m excited to see what the summer will bring for him and this young team heading into the Euros.”
Rice echoed these thoughts, adding: ‘It is a huge achievement for me to reach this milestone.
“Those who are close to me know how much it means to play for my country, so to reach 50 caps is incredible.” “I’m excited to wear my new boots on the field to celebrate the moment.”
Rice wore custom-made boots during England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.
The boot featured England’s colors (red, white and blue) with a 50 caps message on the side, while the national flag was also emblazoned on the custom design.
In a conversation with Lampard, Rice also stated that he couldn’t believe he had played so many times for the Three Lions.
“I don’t think you’ll ever do it (imagine reaching 50 caps),” he added. “But when you’re in it and you’re playing well, there are so many top players that can be picked, so you have to be there every time you go.”
“And you need to gain the trust of managers and over the five or six years I’ve been involved in setting up, I’ve been involved in pretty much all of them.” Reaching my 50th cap will be a very special milestone for me.
‘It’s crazy (to have my own custom boot). You wouldn’t even imagine having your own boot, especially for a cap number 50. I don’t know what to say, you associate having exclusive boots with Ballon d’Or winners and I have a pair.
Rice played the full 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw against Belgium, as England twice came back thanks to goals from Ivan Toney and Jude Bellingham, and Youri Tielemans scored a brace for the visitors at Wembley.
Speaking on Monday after being announced as England’s captain for the clash, Rice, who originally played three games for the Republic of Ireland in 2018 after coming through their youth system, described what an honor it would be to lead his country.
“I am speechless and speechless,” he said while sitting next to Southgate at a press conference.
“When he (Southgate) told me last night that he 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 joined the team. He has always made me feel at home and I have always felt very comfortable playing with him.
Lampard, who earned 106 caps for England, praised the Arsenal midfielder for his achievement.
Rice also expressed his disbelief that a special boot was created for him to mark this milestone.
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence, so on my 50th cap to be able to go out to Wembley in front of my family and friends is an absolute honour.”
“I’m a little speechless to be honest with you.”
Following matches against Brazil and Belgium in recent days, England will return to action when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland in two friendlies ahead of Euro 2024 in June.
The Three Lions begin their tournament campaign against Serbia on June 16, with Denmark and Slovenia also in England’s group.