‘Incredible’ Rice is ‘future captain of England’ – Rooney

After watching the 26-year-old help the Gunners reclaim the top of the Premier League with a victory over Everton, former England striker Wayne Rooney has hailed Declan Rice as their “future captain.”

Rooney, who led England for three seasons from 2014 to 2017, was at Hill Dickinson Stadium to witness Mikel Arteta’s side’s 1-0 victory on Saturday night.

In addition to Harry Kane, Rice has worn the armband twice before, including in a 2-2 draw with Belgium in March 2024 and a 3-0 victory over Wales in October of this year. He has won 72 senior international caps.

In the most recent episode of The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport, Rooney said, “He’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point.”

He appeared to be playing for Everton all night. It was a pleasure to watch his decision-making, including when to pass it, where to pass it, what foot to pass it to, and how much detail he provided on his pass. He was utterly amazing.

He was acting as a third centre-back when he was trying to score a goal in the first minute by splitting his centre-backs and taking the ball off Arsenal’s centre-backs. Some of his efforts may be a little underappreciated.

Former Everton team-mate Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form has come to a head after a difficult start for his Leeds United career.

Prior to Leeds’ 3-2 defeat at Manchester City last month, the 28-year-old had only scored once in 10 league games before finding the net twice in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road.

Rooney thinks the striker could still make Thomas Tuchel’s team for the USA, Mexico, and Canada World Cup in the summer.

Rooney said, “If he continues, then there is no reason why he shouldn’t be discussed or even given the chance to participate in the World Cup, purely because England has a lack of forwards,” Rooney said.

He excels in both boxes and excels in the air. He’s a tough opponent when he’s in top form and scoring goals like he is.

You forget how talented he is, how young he is, how much of him still has left, and how much of a player he is.

Calvert-Lewin missed more than three months of the campaign with a hamstring injury, but he only found the net three times in his final season with the club. He scored 71 goals during his time at Everton.

Rooney continued, “I think Everton made the right decision to let him go.” He had been out of contract for the past few seasons, never really getting fit.

Viktor Gyokeres has struggled for form since leaving Sporting over the summer, despite scoring the only goal for David Moyes’ side.

The Sweden international scored the opener with a powerful penalty, his seventh goal in a row this season and his first since Burnley’s 2-0 victory on November 1.

Rooney, however, believes Gyokeres should be evaluated on his goalscoring record as well.

He said, “He does a little bit more than what you see.” He occupies James Tarkowski and Michael Keane as the two center-backs in “Even]on Saturday.” That makes room for your inside wide players or your number 10 a little more.

He is significant to Arsenal, in my opinion. He does a job that assists other players, but he doesn’t quite have the goals you’d expect from him.

He does occupy the center-back, though “you might not see it, it’s not eye-catching.” He might be better, but He can, of course. Should he make more goals while playing for that team? Yes, he ought to.