“Remarkable” Rice is “England’s Future Captain” – Rooney

Rooney’s Praise for Declan Rice

Wayne Rooney, the former England striker, has expressed his admiration for Arsenal’s midfielder Declan Rice, calling him a “future captain” of the national team. This statement follows Rice’s impressive performance that led the Gunners to a crucial win, reinstating them at the top of the Premier League after their match against Everton.

Rooney attended the match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory. He acknowledged Rice’s significant contribution, describing the 26-year-old as dynamic and instrumental throughout the game.

Rice’s Growing Leadership Role

Declan Rice has amassed 72 caps for the England senior team, having captained the side on two occasions in place of the current captain, Harry Kane, during a 2-2 draw with Belgium in March 2024 and a 3-0 win versus Wales in October.

Rooney highlighted Rice’s potential to take over captaincy when Kane retires, stating, “He is the one who seems ready to assume that role.”

“In the match against Everton, he was everywhere,” Rooney added. “From his tactical decisions on the field to his incredible individual skills, he was a joy to watch. He showcased an extraordinary level of talent.”

Rice’s Unique Qualifications

Rooney stressed that Rice’s value to the team extends beyond offense, as he often finds himself in varied roles—defending, pushing forward, and contributing to both attack and defense. “He often creates space for others and his game intelligence is noteworthy,” he remarked. “His drive anding personality make him a beloved figure among his teammates.”

Potential for World Cup Inclusion: Calvert-Lewin

Rooney has also commented on the current form of his former Everton teammate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has experienced a resurgence at Leeds United following a challenging start. Despite struggling to find the net earlier in the season, Calvert-Lewin has scored in multiple consecutive games, including twice during a 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace.

“Should he maintain this level of performance, he certainly deserves to be considered for the World Cup squad, given the shortage of forwards available to England,” Rooney mentioned. He pointed out that Calvert-Lewin’s attributes make him a valuable asset during matches.

“He remains relatively young and has much more to offer,” Rooney noted. “Everton’s decision to let him go seems justified, given his injury history, yet he has excelled at Leeds.”

Evaluating Gyokeres’ Role

Turning to Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, whose goal secured victory against Everton, Rooney pointed out that the striker’s contributions extend beyond just scoring. Rooney believes Gyokeres positively impacts his teammates by drawing defenders, creating space for others to exploit.

“He might not be the standout goal-scorer at the moment, but he plays a vital role in enhancing the team’s overall performance,” he stated. “While he can certainly do better, his contributions are essential to Arsenal’s success, especially if they aim to compete for the title.”