Wayne Rooney Backs Declan Rice to Succeed Harry Kane as England Captain

LIVERPOOL : England legend Wayne Rooney has tipped Arsenal midfield lynchpin Declan Rice to become the next permanent captain of the Three Lions, describing the 26-year-old as the “irreplaceable” heir to Harry Kane’s throne.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport, the former England skipper shared his thoughts after watching Rice dictate play during Arsenal’s gritty 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Rice, who has earned 72 caps and has already stood in as captain twice for his country, impressed Rooney with a performance that combined defensive grit with elite playmaking.

“For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry [Kane] to hang up his boots at some point,” Rooney said. “He was all over the pitch. His decision-making—when to pass it, where to pass it, his detail on his pass—it was a pleasure to watch. He was absolutely incredible.”

Rooney highlighted Rice’s versatility, noting his ability to drop between center-backs to build play before sprinting into the opposition box. “He’s the right one to take over because of his drive and his personality. Everyone seems to love him.”

Viktor Gyokeres’ winner against Everton was his seventh goal of the season in all competitions

Rooney also turned his attention to former Everton teammate Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is enjoying a prolific “purple patch” since moving to Leeds United. The 28-year-old has found the net in five consecutive outings, including a brace in Saturday’s 4-1 demolition of Crystal Palace.

Rooney suggested that Calvert-Lewin could be a “handful” for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “If he continues this, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be talked about… purely because of the lack of forwards England have got,” Rooney noted, adding that Leeds’ medical staff deserve credit for keeping the striker fit after his injury-plagued final years at Goodison Park.

Despite Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres facing criticism for a low goal return since his high-profile move from Sporting, Rooney defended the Swede’s tactical importance. Gyokeres scored the winning penalty against Everton—his first goal since early November—but Rooney insists his value lies in his physical presence.

“He occupies the two center-backs… that creates a bit more space for your number 10 or your wide players,” Rooney explained. “He’s doing a job which helps other players. If Arsenal go on to win the league, then he’ll have had a big role to play, definitely.”

Arsenal’s win keeps them at the summit of the Premier League table as the title race intensifies heading into the festive period.