Declan Rice explained his own role within the team's leadership, explaining he was ready and willing to have "uncomfortable conversations" with team-mates on the pitch:

“Off the pitch I am a happy-go-lucky character where I get on with everyone, but when I am on the pitch I go into game mode.

“I have had uncomfortable conversations with players on the pitch and it’s not personal because when we are off the pitch, we are best mates again and that can be with anyone.

“On the pitch, when you have a chance to win a football match, you need to demand the most from each other."

Rice added that Tuchel has made it clear he wants nothing left unsaid: "If there is a chance to say something, say it and get it out on the table."

Image source, Getty Images

Declan Rice expanded on leadership themes raised by England manager Thomas Tuchel and captain Harry Kane in news conferences before Friday's win over Albania.

Tuchel said he wanted the players to become a "brotherhood", buoyed by togetherness, while Kane had referenced how he felt the weight of leadership during their run to the Euro 2024 final.

"I think the manager has put massive emphasis on that, [about] Harry feeling alone and [he] had a lot to do on his own," Rice told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It shouldn’t be the way, if you want to win stuff. You need a group of players, a team of players, who are all there. Not just one captain taking responsibility for everything."

Image source, Getty Images

One day you people will get the live texter you deserve.

Instead you've got me, distracted and wondering which word is the right one to describe rice going off.

Spoiled rice? Rotten rice? Stale might be correct you know.

Rob with two entries in 22 minutes. Must be some kind of record.

Also, my incompetence is on show again because somebody has messaged in about Rice, I've just not put it in the live quick enough.

Image source, Getty Images

England International and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice told BBC Sport's Ian Dennis that fellow club and international teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly is "special" after he scored on his debut.

Lewis-Skelly became the third-youngest England goalscorer ever and also youngest to score on his debut.

In the Premier League so far, he has made 26 appearances for the Gunners' since making his professional debut against Manchester City in September.

Rice speaking on Lewis-Skelly, seven years his younger said: “Incredible, doing exactly what he is doing for the club. [He is] fearless, confident in his own ability.

“The lads here are really taken aback by his confidence, but in a good way, in terms of how he handles himself. How he steps up to the occasion.

“Usually you get a lot of 18-year-olds maybe being a bit shy. The way he carried himself in the changing room and talking in the changing room before the game, he was really impressive.

“He has got that about him, I have seen it all season at Arsenal. I said early on this kid is going to be special.

“Yes, he was amazing the other night, to score probably topped off one of the best nights of his life.”

So, it's just gone midday.

If you are just breaking for lunch/dinner - take your pick, let's not disturb that hornets' nest - and just wanted to catch up on the morning's main talking points then check out the links below:

• Livramento left out of England squad to face Latvia
• Tuchel 'not afraid' to make changes as injured Gordon withdraws
• Foden and Rashford know what is expected - Tuchel
• 'England will not be tested' - Ian Dennis

We are also asking you to chip in with who you believe should start for England against Latvia. Check out the contact details in the summary of this page and get involved.

Image source, Getty Images

England international and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice told Senior football reporter Ian Dennis that he has had the "best" and "worst" memories ever playing for England as he approaches his 64th cap.

Rice made his debut in 2019 under former manager Gareth Southgate in an EURO 2020 qualifying campaign game against Czech Republic.

“Obviously, I have so many ups and downs in an England shirt", Rice said. "I have had some of the best memories ever. I have also had horrible memories of losing two finals, which has obviously been awful.

“It has just gone so quick on how things can change so quickly. I have played with so many different players for England. You know players who are in favour at their clubs, but then are out of form and then all of a sudden, you’re not in an England shirt any more.

“It just reminds me always to not take it for granted. Playing for England is not just like ‘oh yeah because I am Declan Rice I am picked.’ You need to be performing week in week out and that is what drives me at club level because he is watching me all the time. His coaches are watching and when you are here you want to play and I want to rack up as many caps as possible.

“63 caps at 26 is amazing so far, but I want to keep pushing and get as many as I can. I am sure with Thomas and his guidance and myself, and knowing myself as a character, you know I am really hungry to keep doing that.”

Declan Rice has been speaking to BBC Sport's Ian Dennis. Shall we hear what he has to say?

Yeah, good point Rob.

Thinking about it, when have I ever come up with an analogy on these lives that does work?

Speaking of "soccer" quarterbacks. Anybody see Andre Pirlo's free-kick for AC Milan legends yesterday doing the rounds on social media?

You never lose it.

Thanks both.

Dave, what do you mean "clearly won't happen"? Walker's not getting any younger, and Livramento's only getting better. Who knows, I say.

Rogers through the middle feels less likely. See the Morgan Gibbs-White conundrum bellow.