CAPTAIN MATERIAL

Rice can be a future Three Lions leader

- JEREMY CROSS

DECLAN RICE could have been forgiven for rolling out of a nightclub in the early hours of the morning.

And giving the waiting paparazzi the bird in the process.

Having spent the evening celebrating the highlight of his career so far.

Had that club been in North London, that is, because this is where Rice is now perceived as someone who can walk on water.

But here’s the thing about Rice.

Such a scenario is never likely to happen because, of all the tremendous qualities he possesses, perhaps the greatest one is Rice’s ability to remain humble.

He even demonstrated this in the immediate aftermath of him producing two stupendous free-kicks to help Arsenal demolish the mighty Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League.

When asked if he'd had a text from David Beckham, Rice replied: "I’m not lucky enough to have his number."