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 presented with a custom-made pair of boots by England legend Frank Lampard to mark his 50th cap for his country.

Rice, 25, has been a key player for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate since making his debut in 2019, playing in the build-up to the 2020 Euro 2020 final and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.

Despite Southgate’s squad having several absentees in last week’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Rice remained available and played the full 90 minutes in both matches.

The Arsenal star was even handed the captain’s armband by Southgate for Tuesday’s match against Domenico Tedesco’s team, with regular captain Harry Kane sidelined due to an ankle injury.

The honor of leading the team came during Rice’s 50th appearance for England and the former West Ham skipper’s achievement was recognized in another way.

Rice was presented with Lampard’s custom-made Adidas boots 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 Rice in association with Adidas ahead of the match to present him with a unique pair of boots.

The design of the adidas Copa boot included the colors of England – red, white and blue – with a special 50 caps message on the side, while the national flag was also featured on the bespoke design.

As he presented Rice with the boots, Lampard shared a few words with the Arsenal man and praised him for reaching the milestone.

“Declan should not underestimate this achievement,” he said. ‘Every child who plays football dreams of playing for his country, so getting fifty caps is something very special.

‘I’m curious to see what the summer will bring for him and this young team at the European Championships.’

Rice echoed these thoughts, adding, “It is a tremendous achievement for me to reach this milestone.

“The people close to me know how much playing for my country means, so to reach 50 caps is incredible. I’m excited to wear my new boots on the pitch to celebrate this moment.”

Rice wore the custom-made football boots during the 2-2 draw between England and Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday

The boot featured the colors of England – red, white and blue – with a 50 caps message on the side, while the national flag was also featured on the bespoke design

Speaking to 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 that (imagine getting 50 caps),” he added. “But when you’re in it and playing well, there are so many top players to pick, so you have to be there every time.

‘And you have to gain the trust of the managers, and in the five to six years that I have been involved in the set-up, I have been involved in almost all the projects. Reaching my 50th cap will be a very special milestone for me.

“It’s crazy (to have my own custom boot). For example, you couldn’t even imagine having your own shoe, especially for a 50th cap. “I don’t know what to say, you associate having signature boots with Ballon d’Or winners and I have a 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 scoring a double for the visitors at Wembley.

Speaking on Monday after being announced as England captain for the match, Rice – who originally played three games for the Republic of Ireland in 2018 after coming through their youth system – outlined what an honor it would be to lead his country.

“I am speechless and at a loss for words,” he said as he sat next to Southgate at a news conference.

‘When he (Southgate) told me last night that 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 joined the team. He always made me feel at home and I always felt so comfortable playing under him.

Lampard – who won 106 caps for England – praised the Arsenal midfielder for his performance

Rice also expressed disbelief that a special boot had been made for him to mark this milestone

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

“I’m a bit speechless to be honest.”

After the matches against Brazil and Belgium in recent days, England will be back in action when they play two pre-Euro 2024 friendlies against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland in June.

The Three Lions start their tournament campaign against Serbia on June 16, with Denmark and Slovenia also in the England group.