Imagine a player so dominant, so versatile, and so influential that a legend like Wayne Rooney boldly declares him the future captain of England. That player is Arsenal’s Declan Rice, and his rise to prominence is nothing short of remarkable. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Rice truly ready to step into Harry Kane’s shoes, or is this praise a bit premature? Let’s dive in.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney, who led the Three Lions from 2014 to 2017, recently hailed Rice as the heir apparent to Kane’s captaincy. Rooney’s comments came after watching Rice’s stellar performance in Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton, a win that propelled the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League. Rooney, speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, was effusive in his praise for the 26-year-old midfielder.
‘For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point,’ Rooney said. ‘He was all over the pitch—his decision-making, his passing, his ability to dictate play—it was a masterclass. He’s splitting defenses, acting as a third center-back one moment, and then he’s in the box trying to score the next. Some of the things he does are underrated, but they’re absolutely crucial.’
Rice, who has already captained England twice in Kane’s absence, has earned 72 senior international caps. His leadership, drive, and personality have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s squad. ‘Everyone who knows him loves him,’ Rooney added. ‘He’s irreplaceable for England.’
And this is the part most people miss: Rice’s ability to seamlessly transition between defensive and attacking roles makes him a unique asset. But is this enough to justify the captaincy? While Rice’s talent is undeniable, the question of whether he’s ready to lead England on the global stage remains a topic of debate. What do you think—is Rice the right man for the job, or is there another player who deserves the armband?
Shifting gears, Rooney also highlighted the resurgence of his former Everton teammate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin. After a slow start at Leeds United, the 28-year-old striker has found his form, scoring in five consecutive matches, including a brace in Leeds’ 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. Rooney believes Calvert-Lewin could still earn a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next summer’s World Cup in North America.
‘If he keeps this up, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in the conversation,’ Rooney said. ‘England lacks depth in the forward position, and Calvert-Lewin’s aerial prowess, combined with his recent goal-scoring form, makes him a strong contender. He’s still young, and when he’s on form, he’s a nightmare for defenders.’
Calvert-Lewin’s journey is a testament to resilience. After scoring just once in his first 10 league appearances, he’s now a key figure for Leeds. His time at Everton, where he scored 71 goals but struggled with injuries in his final season, seems like a distant memory. Rooney believes Everton made the right call in letting him go, given his injury history and contract situation. ‘He’s kept himself fit at Leeds, and the physios are doing a great job with him,’ Rooney noted.
Finally, Rooney offered a nuanced perspective on Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored the winning goal against Everton but has struggled for consistency since his summer move from Sporting. ‘He does more than what you see,’ Rooney explained. ‘He occupies defenders, creates space for his teammates, and does the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet. Can he improve? Absolutely. Should he score more goals? Yes. But if Arsenal wins the league, he’ll have played a significant role.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Are we underestimating players like Gyokeres who contribute in less visible ways? Should their impact be measured solely by goals, or is there more to their value on the pitch? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
