Former Ireland Player Reacts After Being Crowned English Captain: ‘I was going to be captain, I gave him a hug’

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Declan Rice who was seduced away from Ireland by England is set to lead the senior team during a coming match, after coach Gareth Southgate elevated him to captaincy.

With Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire gone from the squad due to sad circumstances, Rice rose in the ranks to take their place in leadership.

Rice was at a pre-match press conference ahead of an England-Belgium match and speaking to talkSPORT recently when he said the following about the crowning:

‘I’m speechless and lost for words. When he (Southgate) told me last night I 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 first came into the team. He’s always made me feel at home and I’ve always felt so comfortable playing under him.

‘I’ve really grown in confidence so on my 50th cap to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it’s an absolute honour.

‘I’m a bit speechless to be honest with you.

‘I think I have grown so much as a player and a person since I first came into the group at 19. 50 caps, it is a pinch me moment, it will be an honour.

‘On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it is a great honour, I’m a bit speechless.’

‘I was probably a bit of a nervous player when I first came into the England squad, but as time has gone on I’ve played more big games, more games at major tournaments. I have enjoyed every moment.’

Southgate had few things to say about the player’s change of ranks and transformation.

‘Well, first we had to convince him that it would be a good decision. I think that’s being borne out by the tournaments we’ve been in, and the huge matches he’s played in.

‘If I think back to some of the early big games which, almost every match was the biggest match of his life, now he’s won a European trophy, he’s now involved in big matches with his club.’

Rice’s first test as captain might be during the England-Belgium friendly.