Arjun Menon
Rooney Praises Rice’s Leadership and Versatility
Former England striker Wayne Rooney has tipped Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as a future captain of the Three Lions, following the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Rooney, who led England from 2014 to 2017, was impressed by Rice’s performance, describing him as “absolutely incredible.”
“For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. “He was all over the pitch. His decision-making when to pass it, where to pass it, what foot to pass it to his detail on his pass it was a pleasure to watch. He was splitting centre-backs, taking the ball off Arsenal`s centre-backs, acting as a third centre-back, then next minute he’s in the box, trying to score a goal. Sometimes, some of the stuff he does is a bit underrated.”
Rice, who has earned 72 senior caps, has worn the armband twice for England in the absence of Harry Kane once in a 2-2 draw with Belgium in March 2024 and again in a 3-0 win over Wales in October this year.
Rooney believes Rice’s leadership qualities make him the ideal successor to Kane. “He’s the right one to take over for me, because of his drive, his personality. Everyone seems to love him, who knows him, who’s close to him. He’s irreplaceable for England.”
Calvert-Lewin’s Resurgence Could Earn World Cup Spot
Rooney also discussed the recent form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, his former Everton teammate, who has scored in five consecutive matches for Leeds United. The striker, who struggled earlier in the season, has now found his rhythm, netting twice in Leeds’ 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Rooney suggested that if Calvert-Lewin maintains this form, he could earn a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
“If he continues this, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be talked about or even get an opportunity to go to the World Cup, purely because of the lack of forwards England have got,” Rooney said. “He competes, he’s great in the air, he’s good in both boxes. When he’s in a run of form and scoring goals like he is, he’s a handful to play against.”
Calvert-Lewin, who scored 71 goals for Everton, had a difficult final season with the club due to injuries. Rooney acknowledged that Everton’s decision to let him go was justified but praised his resilience at Leeds.
Gyokeres’ Role Beyond Goalscoring
While Viktor Gyokeres scored the winning penalty for Arsenal, Rooney noted that the striker’s contributions extend beyond goals.
“He does a bit more than what you see,” Rooney said. “Even on Saturday, he occupies the two centre-backs, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane. That creates a bit more space for your number 10 or your wide players who are coming inside. I think he’s important for Arsenal. He’s doing a job which helps other players, he just hasn’t got the goals which you’d expect from him.”
Rooney added that Gyokeres’ role could be crucial if Arsenal challenge for the Premier League title. “You maybe don’t see it, it’s not eye-catching, but he does occupy the centre-back. Can he be better? Of course he can. Should he score more goals playing in that team? Yeah, he should. But I think if Arsenal go on to win the league, then he’ll have had a big role to play, definitely.”
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