Frank Lampard presents Declan Rice with bespoke Adidas boots to mark his 50th cap against Belgium… as the Arsenal star outlines his disbelief at the gesture
Declan Rice was handed a custom-made pair of boots by England legend Frank Lampard to mark his 50th cap for his country.
Rice, 25, has been an integral player for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate ever since making his debut in 2019, starring in England’s run to the final of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite Southgate’s squad facing several absentees for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium over the past week, Rice remained available and played the full 90 minutes in both fixtures.
The Arsenal star was even given the captain’s armband by Southgate for Tuesday’s clash against Domenico Tedesco’s outfit, with usual skipper Harry Kane sidelined due to an ankle injury.
The honour of leading the team came on Rice’s 50th appearance for England and the former West Ham skipper’s achievement was also recognised in another way.
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
Former England midfielder Lampard – who scored 29 goals in 106 caps for England between 1999 and 2014 – met up with Rice in collaboration with Adidas ahead of the game to present him with a one-of-a-kind pair of boots.
The design of the adidas Copa boot included the colours of England – red, white and blue – with a special 50 caps message on the side, while the national flag was also emblazoned across the bespoke design.
When presenting Rice with the boots, Lampard shared a few words with the Arsenal man and hailed him for reaching the milestone.
‘Declan shouldn’t underestimate this achievement,’ he said. ‘Every kid playing football growing up dreams of playing for their country, so to hit 50 caps is something very special.
‘I am excited to see what the summer brings for him and this young team going into the Euros.’
Rice echoed these thoughts and added: ‘It is a massive achievement for me to reach this milestone.
‘Those close to me, know how much playing for my country means, so to hit 50 caps is incredible. I am excited to wear my new boots on the field to celebrate the moment.’
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
In discussion with Lampard, Rice also claimed he couldn’t quite believe he had played so many times for the Three Lions.
‘I don’t think you ever do (imagine reaching 50 caps),’ he added. ‘But when you’re in it and playing well, there’s so many top players who can get picked, so you need to be at it every time you go.
‘And you need to gain the managers trust and over the five to six years I’ve been involved in set-up, I’ve been involved in pretty much every one. To reach my 50th cap is going to be a very special milestone for me.
‘It’s crazy (to have my own custom boot). Like, you wouldn’t even imagine having your own boot, especially for a 50th cap. I don’t what what to say, you associate having signature boots with Ballon d’Or winners and I’ve got pair.’
Rice played the full 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw against Belgium, as England twice came from behind thanks to goals from Ivan Toney and Jude Bellingham, with Youri Tielemans netting a double 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 having come through their youth system – outlined what an honour it would be to lead his country.
‘I’m speechless and lost for words,’ he said while sitting alongside Southgate at a press conference.
‘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.
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
‘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.’
Following the games against Brazil and Belgium over recent days, England return to action when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland in two pre-Euro 2024 friendlies in June.
The Three Lions start their tournament campaign against Serbia on June 16, with Denmark and Slovenia also in England’s group.
