Frank Lampard, a revered figure in England, presented Declan Rice with a pair of custom-made boots as a tribute to his achievement of earning 50 international caps for his country.
Ever since his debut in 2019, Rice, who is currently 25 years old, has played a crucial role as a member of Gareth Southgate’s national side, known as the Three Lions. He was instrumental in guiding England to the final of Euro 2020 and the quarterfinals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
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Declan Rice was handed a custom-made pair of boots by England legend Frank Lampard
Lampard presented Rice with the custom-made Adidas footwear to commemorate his 50th appearance for the England national team.
Rice played the whole 90 minutes in both of Southgate’s team’s friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium last week, despite the team having several players missing.
In the match against Domenico Tedesco’s team on Tuesday, Southgate bestowed the captain’s armband upon the Arsenal player, while usual captain Harry Kane was out due to an ankle injury.
Rice, who previously served as captain for West Ham, was not only given the chance to lead the side for his 50th appearance for England, but also earned acknowledgment for this achievement.
Prior to the match, Rice had a visit from Lampard, a former England midfielder who scored 29 goals in 106 appearances for his country from 1999 to 2014. The purpose of the visit, sponsored by Adidas, was to present Rice with a one-of-a-kind set 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.