News Focus
- Thomas Tuchel confirms the Arsenal midfielder will support Harry Kane as deputy
- Rice has earned 72 caps and previously led the team against Wales
- The 27-year-old recently won the Premier League title with Arsenal
- England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June
England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Declan Rice will serve as the team’s vice-captain during the World Cup. The Arsenal midfielder will support captain Harry Kane when the tournament begins later this month.
Tuchel made this announcement following England’s friendly victory against New Zealand on Saturday. The German coach explained that he first gave Rice the role during an international match in October. At that time, Kane was unavailable, and Rice led the team against Wales.
Rice has played 72 times for the national team. He is one of the most experienced members of Tuchel’s squad. The 27-year-old recently completed a successful season with Arsenal. He helped the club win the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years. Arsenal also reached the Champions League final, but they lost to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout last weekend.
The midfielder has now travelled to the United States with his international team-mates. Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze arrived at the training camp in Florida on Sunday. The group is preparing for the World Cup finals.
England will play one more warm-up match against Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday. After that, the squad will face Miami FC in a private game. The team will then move to their base in Kansas City on Saturday.
The Three Lions start their World Cup journey on 17 June. Their first match is against Croatia. They will also play Ghana and Panama in Group L.