Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is full of pride over the England captaincy.

Rice was informed by England coach Gareth Southgate yesterday that he would lead the team against Belgium.

"We had an awkward stare at each other," Rice said. "I was speechless. I stood up, shook his hand, gave him a hug and said 'thank you so much'. Since I've come into the side, he's put his trust and belief in me. To now win 50 caps and captain the side, I'm speechless.'

"Having 10 years at West Ham shaped me into the person I am today.

"When I got to captain West Ham, I was growing in confidence and as a leader. I still see myself going that way. There is Martin Odegaard at my club. I'm not thinking about it, but if anything were to ever happen to him, I really would love to put the armband on for Arsenal.

"Fifty caps is a “pinch me" moment. I've grown so much as a player and a person since I first came into the group at 19. I was probably a nervous player when I first came into the England squad. But I think I've grown into it. I've enjoyed every single moment.

"The other night, we looked at the caps and the people I've surpassed already. Hopefully I'll keep going up. To me, it still doesn't feel real. To me, I'm still Dec, just a normal guy. I'm playing for England, playing for Arsenal, and I'm achieving dreams."