Former England captain Wayne Rooney has identified Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as a strong contender to lead the national team in the future, following an impressive display in Arsenal’s narrow Premier League win over Everton.
Rooney was in attendance on Saturday evening as Mikel Arteta’s side secured a 1–0 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium to return to the top of the league table. The former striker, who captained England between 2014 and 2017, singled out Rice for praise, describing the 26-year-old as a natural leader and a likely successor to current captain Harry Kane.
Rice, who has made 72 appearances for England, has already worn the armband on two occasions in Kane’s absence — during a 2–2 draw with Belgium in March 2024 and a 3–0 win over Wales in October.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said Rice’s all-round performance against Everton underlined his leadership qualities.
“He was everywhere,” Rooney said. “His decision-making, his awareness of when to pass and the quality of those passes were excellent. He was outstanding throughout the game.
“He drops into defence, wins the ball, helps build play, and then you see him arriving in the box trying to score. A lot of what he does goes unnoticed, but he’s hugely important.”
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Rooney added that Rice’s character and determination set him apart. “He’s probably the one waiting for Harry to retire. He’s got the personality, the drive, and everyone who works with him seems to like him. For England, he’s irreplaceable.”
The former Manchester United striker also shared his thoughts on England’s attacking options, backing Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a possible World Cup call-up if his current form continues.
Calvert-Lewin, who previously played under Rooney at Everton, has enjoyed a resurgence after a difficult spell earlier in the season. The 28-year-old has now scored in five consecutive matches, including a brace in Leeds United’s 4–1 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Saturday.
Rooney believes the striker could force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“If he keeps scoring, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in the conversation,” Rooney said. “England don’t have a lot of forwards, and he brings something different. He’s strong, good in the air, works hard, and causes defenders problems when he’s confident.”
Despite Calvert-Lewin’s struggles in his final season at Everton — where injuries limited him to just three goals — Rooney maintained that the forward still has plenty to offer.
“People forget he’s still got a lot to give,” he added. “When he’s fit and in form, he’s a very good striker.”
Rooney also suggested Everton were justified in allowing Calvert-Lewin to leave, concluding that the decision ultimately benefited both player and club.
