Declan Rice is being tipped as England’s future skipper by none other than Wayne Rooney, after the Arsenal midfielder’s masterclass helped shove the Gunners back to the Premier League summit.
Mikel Arteta’s side ground out a proper scrappy 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, and Rooney, who was in the stands at Goodison, reckons the 26 year old Rice is the heir apparent to current captain Harry Kane. “For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point,” the former England frontman said on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show.
Rooney, who wore the armband himself for three years, was blown away by Rice’s all action display on Merseyside. “He was absolutely incredible,” he gushed. “He was all over the pitch. His decision making, it was a pleasure to watch.” The Manchester United legend highlighted how Rice was splitting Everton’s defence, dropping deep to collect, and still getting into the box. “Sometimes, some of the stuff he does is a bit underrated,” Rooney added.
It’s not just hype. Rice has already stepped up twice for his country, leading the side in March’s 2-2 draw with Belgium and again in October’s 3-0 win over Wales. With 72 caps to his name, he’s hardly a rookie. Rooney believes his mentality seals the deal. “He’s the right one to take over for me, because of his drive, his personality. Everyone seems to love him… He’s irreplaceable for England.”
The broader picture is a tasty one for Arsenal and England alike. That hard fought win, built on Rice’s engine room performance, sends Arteta’s men top of the pile, if only until rivals play their games. For Gareth Southgate, it’s another reminder that the leadership baton has a natural successor. Rice’s next task is to help Arsenal stay there, with a crunch Champions League night coming up before the next domestic grind. One thing’s for sure, the boy from West Ham’s stock has never been higher.
