West Ham ace Declan Rice: Tottenham have a ‘great’ player that ‘you can trust’

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West Ham star Declan Rice has told Sky Sports that Tottenham star Harry Kane is a “great captain” when discussing the possibility he could replace the Spurs striker as England skipper later on in his career.

Kane, 28, could be given the chance to surpass Gary Lineker’s tally of 49 goals on Tuesday night when England play host to the Ivory Coast at Wembley. But it is likely that the Spurs striker will be rested for the game.

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The Spurs striker has reached such a record in just 68 caps and is expected to remain England skipper for the next few years. But with West Ham midfielder Rice still only 23, the Chelsea product could replace him.

Speaking about the possibility of one day becoming England captain, Hammers ace Rice said he was honoured to hear Gareth Southgate suggest as much – before praising the current England skipper in Spurs ace Kane.

“It was special to read that, you feel loved. It’s a lovely thing to hear, but that’s not happened yet. We have a great captain in Harry who is a top guy. You can speak to him, you can trust him.

“We’re heading in a great direction with him,” Rice added, when asked about the captaincy by Sky Sports. “So, to be even considered in that conversation is great to hear. Harry is doing a great job for us.”

Rice on Kane: West Ham star best-placed to replace Tottenham ace

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There are only a handful of players you would consider guaranteed starters in the England side right now. Not even the likes of Harry Maguire or Jordan Pickford are considered definitely first choice at the moment.

Kane and Rice are probably the only two players. Kyle Walker might have been, but he has been rested for this international break and will return in the summer. Phil Foden and Mason Mount are up there, but not definite.

Given that Kane and Rice are probably the two most-important players under Southgate, it is natural to assume that Rice – five years younger than Kane – will eventually replace the Spurs star as England captain.