Rooney tips Declan Rice as future England captain

A former Man United striker, Wayne Rooney has hailed Declan Rice as a future England captain after watching the Arsenal midfielder deliver a commanding display in the Premier League win at Everton.

The former England striker was in attendance as Mikel Arteta’s side edged to a scrappy 1-0 victory on Saturday evening, a result that lifted Arsenal back to the top of the table. Rice, 26, was central to the performance, dictating play in midfield and showing the leadership qualities that Rooney believes make him the ideal long-term successor to Harry Kane

As reported by BBC Sports on Monday, Rooney said Rice already looks like a player ready to take on greater responsibility with the national team.

He said, “For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point. His drive and his personality stand out. Everyone who knows him seems to love him.

“He was all over the pitch [against Everton]. 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.

“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 [Kane] for me, because [of] his drive, his personality. Everyone seems to love him, who knows him, who’s close to him. He’s irreplaceable for England,” he added