Frank Lampard, a hero in England, gave Declan Rice a pair of specially designed boots to commemorate his 50 caps for his nation.
Since making his debut in 2019, Rice, 25, has been a key member of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions team. He played a major role in leading England to the final of Euro 2020 and the quarterfinals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Declan Rice was handed a custom-made pair of boots by England legend Frank Lampard
Rice was given the bespoke Adidas boots by Lampard to mark his 50th cap for the Three Lions
Despite the team’s numerous absences, Rice was available and played the full ninety minutes in both of Southgate’s squad’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this past week.
Southgate even gave the Arsenal player the skipper’s armband for Tuesday’s game against Domenico Tedesco’s squad, with normal captain Harry Kane sidelined due to an ankle injury.
The former West Ham captain, Rice, was rewarded for his achievement in addition to being offered the chance to skipper the team for his 50th England appearance.
Before the match, Rice was visited by former England midfielder Lampard, who scored 29 goals in 106 appearances for his country between 1999 and 2014, in association with Adidas, to give him a unique pair of boots.
Rice wore the bespoke boots during England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday
The boot included the colours of England – red, white and blue – with a 50 caps message on the side, while the national flag was also emblazoned across the bespoke design
The national flag was also emblazoned on the custom design of the adidas Copa boot, which included the English colors of red, white, and blue along with a unique 50 caps message on the side.
After giving Rice the boots, Lampard spoke briefly with the Arsenal player and praised him for accomplishing the feat.
Declan should not undervalue this accomplishment, he stated. “Every young football player’s dream is to play for their country, so earning 50 caps is a truly remarkable achievement.”
“I can not wait to see what the summer has in store for him and this young squad as they prepare for the Euros.”
“Reaching this milestone is a massive achievement for me,” Rice continued, echoing same sentiments.
“Those who are near me understand the significance of playing for my nation, so reaching 50 caps is truly amazing.” To commemorate the occasion, I can hardly wait to wear my new boots on the field.
During his conversation with Lampard, Rice added that he was still in shock at how many times he had played for the Three Lions.
“I do not think you ever do—try hitting 50 caps,” he continued. However, you have to be there every time you play because there are a lot of elite players who could be selected if you are in it and performing well.
And you have to earn the managers’ trust—I have been involved in setup for five or six years—pretty much every one of them. For me, reaching my 50th cap will be a very significant accomplishment.
“Having my own custom boot is crazy.” You would not even think of owning a boot, particularly for your 50th hat. I am at a loss for words; you seem to equate Ballon d’Or winners with signature boots, and I own a pair.
Rice played the entire ninety minutes of England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, as the visitors’ Youri Tielemans scored a brace while Ivan Toney and Jude Bellingham’s goals saw England come back from behind twice.
Lampard – who won 106 caps for England – hailed the Arsenal midfielder for his achievement
Rice also outlined his disbelief at having a special boot created for him to mark this milestone
Speaking on Monday following his selection as England’s captain for the match, Rice, who came through the Republic of Ireland’s youth system and played three games for them in 2018, described what an honor it would be to captain his nation.
At a press conference, he was seated next to Southgate and declared, “I am speechless and at a loss for words.”
I hugged Southgate, shook his hand, and said “thank you very much” when he told me last night that I would be captain.
Since I joined the team, I owe him a great deal. I have always felt so at ease playing under him since he is always made me feel at home.
“It is an absolute honor to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends on my 50th cap because I have really grown in confidence.”
To be honest with you, I am a little lost for words.
England will play two pre-Euro 2024 friendly in June against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland, following their previous matches against Brazil and Belgium.
On June 16, the Three Lions will take on Serbia in the event. England’s group also includes Denmark and Slovenia.