Wayne Rooney, former England international and current football analyst, has publicly identified Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as a likely future captain of the England national team. This assessment is based on Rice’s recent performances for both club and country, as well as his leadership attributes.

Since transferring to Arsenal, Rice has played a central role in Mikel Arteta’s squad. He has started in all but one of Arsenal’s Premier League matches, demonstrating consistent levels of composure, tactical awareness, and leadership. Rice’s influence is not limited to club football; he has also captained the England national team on two occasions, substituting for regular captain Harry Kane.

Rooney made his comments on his BBC Sport podcast, “The Wayne Rooney Show.” He stated that Rice is the most probable candidate to succeed Kane as England captain, citing Rice’s recent performances and leadership qualities as key factors.

Rooney referenced Rice’s performance in a recent match against Everton, highlighting his decision-making, passing accuracy, and positional versatility. According to Rooney, Rice’s ability to transition between defensive and attacking roles, as well as his technical execution, are significant assets for both Arsenal and England.

Rice’s leadership credentials are supported by his previous experience as captain of West Ham United, where he led the team to European competition success. At Arsenal, he has also worn the captain’s armband on occasion. Within the England squad, Rice is regarded as a reliable and mature presence, capable of assuming leadership responsibilities in Kane’s absence.

Statistically, Rice’s playing time, positional flexibility, and leadership roles at both club and international levels support Rooney’s assessment. As Arsenal continues its Premier League campaign and England prepares for future international tournaments, Rice’s candidacy for the England captaincy is increasingly substantiated by both qualitative and quantitative indicators.