Rooney Backs Rice As England’s Next Captain

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has lauded Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as a “future captain” of the Three Lions. Rooney’s praise comes after watching the 26-year-old help the Gunners return to the top of the Premier League with a victory at Everton.

Rooney, who captained England for three years from 2014 to 2017, was at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to witness Mikel Arteta’s side secure a hard-fought 1-0 win on Saturday evening.

Rice, who has earned 72 senior international caps, has previously worn the armband twice in Harry Kane’s absence: during a 2-2 draw with Belgium in March 2024 and a 3-0 win over Wales in October this year.

“For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point,” Rooney stated in the latest episode of BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show.

“He was all over the pitch [against Everton]. His decision-making – when to pass it, where to pass it, what foot to pass it to, his detail on his pass – it was a pleasure to watch. He was absolutely incredible.”

“He was splitting centre-backs, taking the ball off [Arsenal’s] centre-backs, acting as a third centre-back, then next minute he’s in the box, trying to score a goal. Sometimes, some of the stuff he does is a bit underrated.”

“He’s the right one to take over [Kane] for me, because [of] his drive, his personality. Everyone seems to love him, who knows him, who’s close to him. He’s irreplaceable for England.”