2025-12-22 11:33:05

Wayne Rooney believes Declan Rice could be the “future captain of England”.

The 26-year-old midfielder helped Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday (20.12.25), prompting Rooney, 40, to hail him as Harry Kane’s natural successor.

Speaking in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain said of Rice: “For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point.

“He was all over the pitch. 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.”

Rice – who joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 – has already become a central figure for club and country.

The England international has won 72 senior caps and has twice worn the armband in Kane’s absence, underlining his growing standing within the squad as Thomas Tuchel prepares for the 2026 World Cup cycle.

Rooney believes Rice’s versatility and mentality set him apart.

He said: “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 for me because of his drive and his personality. Everyone seems to love him.

“He’s irreplaceable for England.”

Rice’s performance anchored an Arsenal side that had to grind out the result, with striker Viktor Gyokeres converting a second-half penalty to secure the points.

The forward, 27, has faced scrutiny over his goalscoring return since arriving from Sporting, but Rooney was keen to highlight his broader contribution.

He said: “He does a bit more than what you see. He occupies the two centre-backs and that creates space for others.

“He’s doing a job which helps other players. Should he score more goals? Yeah, he should. But if Arsenal go on to win the league, he’ll have had a big role to play.”

For Rooney, however, the night belonged to Rice, as now Arsenal are leading the title race and England continues to search for continuity beyond Kane, the former Manchester United striker sees a familiar figure emerging.

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