STARRING PARTNERS

Debate still rages about the Lampard/Gerrard England partnership... but after just one game Rice and Phillips look to have formed a brotherhood for the future

FRANK LAMPARD won the first of his 106 caps on October 10, 1999. while Steven Gerrard made his England debut on May 31, 2000.

Gerrard would go on to play 114 times for his country.

The international careers of Lampard and Gerrard were intertwined for a decade and a half.

They both bowed out after the goalless draw against Costa Rica at World Cup 2014.

In that game, a dead rubber as England were already eliminated, Lampard started and Gerrard came on as a late substitute for Jack Wilshere.

And, in one way, that was a telling reflection on their England time together.

After their respective debuts, it was three years before they actually shared a pitch as England players, Lampard appearing as a 58thminute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win against South Africa in Durban.

Gerrard started that match, which featured a goal after 36 seconds from Gareth Southgate.

From that point onwards, the debate about whether Lampard and Gerrard could play together ran longer than

The Mousetrap. And never really had a resolution.

Even now, it would split the nation.

The argument was that they were too similar, an argument used by those who were disappointed to see the names of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips on Southgate’s teamsheet ahead of the Croatia game.

Different types of players to Gerrard and Lampard but the argument was the same.

How many holding midfielders do you need at home, even against a good side such as Croatia?

Don’t Rice and Phillips just do the same gig? But in one match, any future debate about Rice and Phillips playing in the same team has been rendered irrelevant.

Yes, it’s one game, yes, Croatia might have been a little disappointing, but this is a central midfield combination England can be sure of.

This is a central midfield combination that looks as assured as any Southgate has used.

That sounds a bit harsh on Jordan Henderson, a fantastic servant whose importance is highlighted by his call-up when not fully fit, but the Phillips-Rice axis is the future.

While Phillips received the

Three Lions’ share of the acclaim after the win over Croatia, Rice’s disciplined performance should not be overlooked.

Rice sat deep as Phillips and Mason Mount were allowed to press on.

It was the type of mature display everyone has come to expect from a player who, at the age of 22, has already become a talisman for his club.

“I would have backed myself a few years ago to go out and perform at a high level,” said the West Ham man. “But maybe I would have had some doubts.

“Fortunately, I’ve been able to do it. After the season I’ve had and the performances that I have had with England recently, I had full confidence to go out there and perform at a high standard.”

And, predictably and heartwarmingly, Rice was delighted to share his tournament debut with Mount.

“It was special, very very special,” he smiled.

“We just said to each other to enjoy this moment.

“It might not ever come around again.

“We worked so hard together to get to where we wanted to be.

“You couldn’t write it. I was buzzing.”

But just in case Phillips was feeling left out, Rice then posted a picture of himself arm-in-arm with the Leeds midfielder.

‘Partner’, read the simple caption.

And he could well be a partner for many years to come.