The Man City player deserves it — Arsenal's Declan Rice reveals reason for argument with Kane in England vs Ireland

Arsenal Declan Rice has provided some insight into his little argument with Harry Kane when the Bayern Munich forward tried to hand him the captain's band. 

The 26-year-old midfielder scored and assisted in England's 2-0 win over Ireland this weekend and could have ended the game as captain, but turned down the chance. 

After captain Kane was substituted in the 84th minute of the game, and with the vice-captain Kyle Walker not on ground, he turned to former West Ham captain Declan Rice to hand him the band. 

However, Rice was seen to have turned down Kane's gesture. The former Tottenham man then gave the band to Manchester City’s John Stones, who led the team for the remainder of the encounter.

Speaking after the game, Rice explained to reporters about what transpired. 

"Harry tried to give me the armband but obviously Stonesy is probably more senior and experienced than me,” he said. 

“I just said to Harry that John deserves it more than me so I said to give it to John and that was it. It doesn’t need to be made into a bigger thing. I think John is one of the more senior ones and usually he’s captain when Harry doesn’t play so I think it was the right decision."