Inside Declan Rice's life with childhood sweetheart as they become parents

WEST HAM captain Declan Rice welcomed his first child into the world earlier this month.

The Hammers skipper's long-term partner Lauren Fryer, who he has been with since he was a teenager, gave birth to their son, Jude, it was revealed on Sunday.

Rice, 23, confirmed the news by showing off a new tattoo in West Ham's 2-0 defeat to Brighton at the London Stadium.

The ink showcased his son's name, Jude, and date of birth - 7 August.

Rice also had the symbol for Jude's star sign, a Leo, tattooed onto him ahead of the match.

The England international has been with partner Lauren for well over SIX years.

And while they do prefer to keep their relationship out of the public eye, there are still several snaps of them together.

They have shared pictures of them enjoying life on a private jet, as well as on various holidays in sunny locations and city breaks such as New York.

Last year, the pair were pictured with former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher at Reading Festival.

The couple also have a dog - Raffa the pooch - which Rice gifted Lauren for Christmas one year.

But while his personal life appears to be going from strength to strength, it has been a nightmare start to the season for West Ham.

David Moyes' side have lost each of their first three Premier League games to Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

They have also not scored so far this season - the first time they have done so while losing their opening three matches since the 1970s.

Next up for Rice and West Ham is an away game against Aston Villa on Sunday.