Declan Rice seen as future England captain: World Cup will be ultimate test to succeed Harry Kane
Arsenal’s key player, midfielder Declan Rice, emerges as a strong candidate to take on the England captain’s armband, with the World Cup presenting itself as a decisive opportunity to solidify this transition. At 27 years old, the player has been increasingly recognized for his leadership qualities and performance on the field, both at his club and national team. His most recent performances indicate he is ready for an even more prominent role on the international stage, possibly following in the footsteps of Harry Kane.
Declan Rice’s innate leadership on the field
After a moment of adversity for Arsenal in April, when they lost to Manchester City, Declan Rice became a symbol of resilience. At the time, the player was captured shouting “It’s not over!” to his teammates, a gesture that quickly went viral and encapsulated his determination. Although Arsenal’s Premier League situation looked complicated at the time, with their lead dwindling, the team managed a remarkable turnaround.
Rice was undoubtedly instrumental in that recovery, guiding a series of consistent performances that culminated in Mikel Arteta’s side winning the Premier League title. It was during this period that his skills as a leader became undeniable. Always considered an athlete of immense talent, he demonstrated an inspiring ability this season, proving that his conviction was correct.
This more mature and vocal version of Rice is exactly what England may need at the current World Cup. His credentials as a top-level player are unquestionable, now backed by a national title. Success for England is the next frontier for an athlete who, at a young age, has already achieved significant feats. He is seen as an active voice and an example to be followed, crucial characteristics for a squad under pressure.
Even if he is not a natural goalscorer or a great assistant, although his set pieces could have an impact at the World Cup, Rice is developing into a natural leader. In North America, he can not only boost the team’s performance in this tournament, but also set a new standard for future competitions where he can wear the captain’s sash.
Rice’s vigor and consistency at Arsenal
Recently, manager Thomas Tuchel mentioned that Rice would be England’s vice-captain in the tournament, although Jude Bellingham wore the armband in a friendly against New Zealand. Tuchel recalled a previous conversation on the matter, indicating that Rice had already been considered for the role when Harry Kane was absent.
Harry Kane is a proven captain, the highest scorer in England’s history, leading the team since 2018. However, Kane stands out for his leadership by example and conduct, being less vocal or confrontational. In contrast, Rice has an imposing stance and a more unpredictable temperament, emerging as a versatile defender with a natural inclination to lead. Stories from his childhood already indicated his desire to guide colleagues.
Despite being released by Chelsea as a teenager, Rice demonstrated confidence in the West Ham dressing room, where he debuted in 2017 and wore the armband for the first time in 2020. In 2022, before the age of 24, he was named permanent captain. At Arsenal, even with Martin Odegaard as captain and Bukayo Saka as deputy, Rice was chosen by his colleagues to wear the armband in their absence, a reflection of his responsibility in challenging moments.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highlighted this trait in April, praising Rice as a “great leader” and valuing the players’ initiative. This honor was also achieved due to his remarkable ability to maintain physical shape in a demanding season. In 2025-26, he started 35 of 36 Premier League matches, totaling almost 3,100 minutes on the field, surpassed only by goalkeeper David Raya.
Rice expressed his fatigue in April on TNT Sports, but also revealed he has a “second burst of energy” that helps him persevere. Even with the intense schedule affecting other players, such as Martin Zubimendi, Rice remained firm, adapting his role in midfield and becoming a more complete player, capable of attacking and defending, as he himself described.
Leia Também
Messi reaches 19 goals in FIFA World Cups with great free kick for Argentina in clash with Jordan
Cristiano Ronaldo shines beyond the pitch at the 2026 World Cup with business empire and family luxury
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirms his historic legacy and prepares to shine in the 2026 World Cup
Declan Rice’s recognition among the greats of world football
Rice’s qualities resonate deeply in the English football consciousness. He represents the type of hard-working, hard-working midfielder the Three Lions have needed for years, which explains why so many legends of the game consider him one of the best in his position. Steven Gerrard, for example, praised him in March on TNT Sports, classifying him as “one of the best in the world”.
Gerrard also expressed his wish that Liverpool had signed him, praising David Moyes’ work at West Ham for improving Rice tactically, and Mikel Arteta’s impact at Arsenal for taking him to a new level. During Gerrard’s “Golden Generation”, England faced a glut of midfielders, but none with Rice’s profile. Now, he can act as a central figure in Tuchel’s scheme, ensuring balance and leadership.
Declan Rice’s personality on and off the field
It is a consensus among England players that Rice is well-liked. With an eccentric twist, videos of her West Ham dances and “Rice Rice Baby” commercials circulate the internet. He even rapped with West Ham’s victorious under-18s team in 2023, wearing a Prada jacket.
However, on the pitch he proves to be a serious and vocal presence. Leading team meetings or reorganizing players after a goal seems to have genuine meaning for him. In this regard, he naturally complements Martin Odegaard at Arsenal, offering an active voice of support. In the national team, he could play a similar role alongside the more reserved Harry Kane. Arteta explained that Rice has the natural ability to make people listen and pay attention when he speaks, even without the armband.
Declan Rice’s performance reaches elite levels
In addition to his intangible qualities, Rice is also delivering some of the best performances of his career. Although Bruno Fernandes was named Premier League Player of the Season, many believe Rice was more deserving of the award. In England’s second friendly before the tournament, against Costa Rica, Rice demonstrated his potential.
After recovering from the Champions League final and missing the 1-0 win over New Zealand, he returned to the starting line-up for the rain-postponed match in Orlando. Tuchel has selected what will likely be his main midfield, with Rice, Bellingham and Elliot Anderson. With Anderson maintaining his defensive position, Rice had the freedom to attack, scoring the first goal by breaking into the box and finishing off Anthony Gordon’s cross. He continued to impress, combining well with Gordon and covering large areas of the pitch, even against inferior opposition. This level of play will be crucial to making England’s midfield truly dominant at the World Cup.
Declan Rice as natural successor to the English captaincy
It is important to note that England do not yet need to plan for Kane’s immediate succession. The Bayern Munich player, with his Ballon d’Or-worthy performance last season, still has a lot to offer. However, the time to appoint a new captain is approaching. Kane will turn 33 during the World Cup, and this could be his last global tournament, with Euro 2028 on home soil looming as a possible end to his international career.
Rice, five years younger than Kane, is well-positioned to take on that role. A new generation of English players is emerging, and Rice has the ideal profile to welcome them into a high-pressure football environment. Kane’s era as captain is coming to an end, and Rice looks ready to succeed him when the time comes, offering a valuable combination of talent, leadership and resilience that could shape the future of the England team.
