Rice loves idea of being Three Lions’ future leader

DECLAN RICE dreams of being a future England captain.

The West Ham ace is only 21 but is wearing the Irons armband this season whenever club skipper Mark Noble is absent.

Last week, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate spoke about Rice’s exceptional leadership traits for someone so young.

Ahead of tonight’s crunch Nations League trip to Belgium, the midfielder (below) admitted that has always come to him naturally.

And should he need any expert tips, he can tap into the knowledge of Noble, England skipper Harry

Kane and Liverpool leader Jordan Henderson.

Rice, who has 11 senior caps, said:

“I have been privileged enough, if I look back at my time at West Ham in the academy, in the 16s, the 18s, the 21s, to be captain of those age groups.

“It’s just something that, as a kid, has always been one of my dreams – to be a captain.

“Coming up with Nobes as our captain and me, being the rising player in the team, the manager has given me the armband when Nobes isn’t playing. “I’m taking it in my stride and I’m really lucky I’ve someone like Noble to help along the way.

“I’m only 21 and captaining the team in big games like Liverpool and Manchester City – long may that continue.”

As for the influence of England colleagues Kane and Henderson, Rice added: “If you look at Jordan and what he’s done for his whole career, but especially the last couple of years, it’s so important for me to learn and get better. “We know his qualities on the ball but you don’t realise his leadership qualities until you play next to him. “He is non-stop, always on at you in a good, positive way. “That gives you the confidence to go and fight for the badge. “With Harry, you feel his presence all the time. He’s talking to the lads individually. For a youngster like me, aspiring to be a future captain, it’s great.”