Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, has been named as England manager Thomas Tuchel’s vice-captain ahead of the World Cup.
Rice, who has earned 72 caps for the Three Lions, is expected to be one of the most experienced figures in Tuchel’s squad for the tournament, with the 27-year-old playing a key leadership role within the group.
The England boss confirmed the appointment after Saturday’s friendly win over New Zealand, saying (via BBC Sport), “I think I would say Declan is my vice-captain,” Tuchel said (via BBC Sport) after Saturday’s friendly win over New Zealand.
Asked whether Rice knows he has that role, the England manager added: “That is a good question. I was just thinking about it. Whether it is an official thing or not.
“But I think we had this talk when Harry was not in camp with us. We started with Ollie and I think Declan was captain. That was where I told him.”
Rice has also enjoyed a strong season at club level with Arsenal, helping the Gunners win the Premier League title for the first time since 2003–04 and reach the UEFA Champions League final, where they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.
He previously led the side in Harry Kane’s absence during the October friendly against Wales, with Ollie Watkins leading the line in attack.
Rice has now joined England’s training camp in the United States alongside Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, with the squad beginning preparations in Florida on Sunday.
Tuchel’s team will face Costa Rica in a final friendly in Orlando on Wednesday, before a behind-closed-doors match against Miami FC, ahead of their move to their Kansas City base on Saturday.
The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign on 17 June against Croatia and will also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.
