England boss Gareth Southgate has thrown his support behind Declan Rice to become the next England captain.

The midfielder has been outstanding for West Ham United this season, both in the Premier League and Europa League.

He is the subject of big money interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Rice is also one of the first name's on the Three Lions team sheet for important international games.

Asked about who could captain England against Ivory Coast if Harry Kane is rested, Southgate said: "We now have more and more club captains actually involved in the fray and he (Rice) is right amongst, that despite his age.

"What I have seen this season is the confidence that he has gained from his experience last summer. I think he had a huge impact on the (Switzerland) game when he came on. It was a really mature performance, strong, he breaks the game up so well and now has more confidence to drive with the ball and bring it forward as well.

"Without a doubt he has all the attributes to be a captain. There will be others, but we are gaining the rewards of the opportunities we had to blood him so young. The initial Nations League campaign and playing against the Dutch in the semi-final of that. They were the biggest games of his life at that time. He is now getting European experience with his club as well - and all of those things are starting to come together."