Declan Rice started off his international career playing for the Republic Of Ireland. He even won u17 player of the year for them. Rice was born in London bis grandparents were Irish which gave him the choice to play for both. This once Irish player is closing in on World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst’s appearances for England. How did he do it?
How did Rice end up in the England team?
In February 2019, Rice decided to join the England team. By March he had made his first cap for England against Czech Republic. He came on in the 63rd minute to see out the remainder of the match as England won 5-0. The rest is history as Rice is set to make his 48th appearance for England against North Macedonia. This means he will overtake Theo Walcott and Trevor Booking. He will then be one appearance away from levelling with Hurst.
Rice became the most expensive English player in the summer as he joined Arsenal for £105m from boyhood club West Ham.
How can Rice reach other milestones?
Rice will have to wait until March until he can reach his 50th cap for England. England will have games against Brazil and Belgium as they prepare for the Germany Euros. Long runs in England’s last few major tournaments has seen many modern players appearances stats rise. Rice will be hoping for a great EURO 2024 so he can reach further milestones.
Ahead of England’s final qualifier against North Macedonia, Rice has been commenting on his England cap achievements and how he can go further. He said “To get near 50 caps for England is a massive deal to me.
“I want to play as much as possible.[Being there with] World Cup winners, legends of the game, people who will be remembered forever, I am a bit speechless.
“I have to give a bit of credit to myself, because when you get picked for England it is not just you get picked. You have to work for it. You have to earn it. Those England caps are special. They are the pinnacle, and when I get to 50, I am going to aim for 100.”
Rice should be aiming for 100 caps. He made his England debut at 20 and now the 24-year-old still has a lot of years and dedication left to give to England.
Rice has been instrumental in recent tournament successes that England have had and barring any bad luck, next years Euros should be no exception.
Who is the most capped England player?
Peter Shilton is England’s most capped player with 125 appearances a tremendous career spanning across two decades. Considering Rice will reach 50 appearances in March after just five years is a great start for the Arsenal midfielder. Wayne Rooney is the most capped outfield with 120.
Only seven other appearances have reached the century mark for England. The full list stands at:
Peter Shilton – 125 appearances
Wayne Rooney – 120 appearances
David Beckham – 115 appearances
Steven Gerrard – 114 appearances
Bobby Moore – 108 appearances
Ashely Cole – 107 appearances
Bobby Charlton – 106 appearances
Frank Lampard – 106 appearances
Billy Wright – 105 appearances
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