DECLAN RICE had to be convinced to switch sides from Ireland to England - and now he will captain the Three Lions TONIGHT against Belgium.
The decision was made after a series of chats with England boss Gareth Southgate.
Southgate said: "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.”
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And now on his 50th appearance, Rice will lead the Three Lions out in a thrilling Belgium friendly.
But what some fans don't know is that Rice has represented Ireland several times before the switch.
How many Ireland caps does Declan Rice have?
Declan Rice has won three Ireland caps across friendlies in 2018.
Ironically, Rice's last match for Ireland came against Belgium before making the England switch three days later.
Rice is set to skipper the Three Lions in absence of Harry Kane on Tuesday night marking his 50th appearance in English colours.
The Arsenal ace also played all of his youth-level matches for Ireland.
What's been said?
Rice said: “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.
"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.”
As for Southgate, he said: “I think that's being borne out by the tournaments we've been in, and the huge matches he's played in.
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“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.”
When is England vs Belgium?
- England vs Belgium will take place on Tuesday, March 26.
- Kick off will be at 7.45pm GMT.
- Wembley Stadium will host.
