Gareth Southgate has praised soon to be England captain Declan Rice, saying he always had strong leadership qualities.
Southgate has handed Rice the armband on his 50th cap, as England host Belgium at Wembley.
This is England’s last game at Wembley before the start of their Euro 2024 campaign.
“Declan is here. It’s his 50th cap. He has great leadership experience already at a tender age and I think it’s a brilliant opportunity for some of our younger players to show leadership and experience it”, said Southgate
“Some of our core group are not with us, so it’s a different dynamic, a great opportunity for others to step up, lead and grow.
“A lot of the players involved with the squad are the future and the more of those experiences they can have that’s helpful for everybody.
“With Dec you could sense that stability, maturity in the decision making process and he has led from a very young age at West Ham as well.”
Rice can adapt to play both the number six, and number eight role in midfield, as he has demonstrated for West Ham, Arsenal and England.
England are currently spoilt for choice with fantastic midfield options, and Rice could be at the heart of it, as England look to go one better in Germany this summer.
Southgate has been impressed with the way Rice has matured as a footballer.
“We know Dec can play in a more advanced role but he’s also improved so much as that number six training with good players everyday [at Arsenal”], said the England boss.
“Working with his coach at his club on those receiving areas, the timing of making himself available behind the pressure”, said the England boss.
“You can see his game maturing in that aspect so we benefit from that as well.
“He’s got those qualities and the respect of everybody to do that.”
