In Tuesday's friendly against Belgium, midfielder Declan Rice will mark a significant milestone in his international career by wearing the captain's armband for England, announced manager Gareth Southgate on Monday.

This match will be Ivan Toney's second appearance for England, with the Brentford striker making his debut exactly a year ago. Toney's inclusion comes after serving an eight-month suspension for breaching Football Association betting rules. With regular captain Harry Kane sidelined due to an ankle injury, Toney will have the opportunity to lead the line for England.

Southgate expressed confidence in Toney's involvement, emphasizing the importance of evaluating players against high-level opposition to make informed decisions for the team's future.

In the absence of senior figures like Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire due to injury, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, valued at £105 million, will don the captain's armband for his 50th cap. Southgate praised Rice's leadership qualities and highlighted the opportunity for younger players to step up and gain valuable experience.

Rice, 25, expressed his gratitude and excitement upon learning about his captaincy, describing it as an absolute honor. He credited Southgate for fostering a supportive environment since his introduction to the team, allowing him to grow in confidence.

As England prepares to face Belgium at Wembley Stadium, Rice's captaincy marks a significant moment in his career, symbolizing his growth and leadership within the national team setup.