Former England captain Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is destined to become the future captain of England, praising the 26-year-old’s influence after Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a narrow 1-0 win over Everton.
Rooney was present at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday evening as Mikel Arteta’s side ground out a scrappy victory, with Rice playing a central role in controlling the contest.
Rice’s leadership and intelligence stand out
Rice, who has already earned 72 senior England caps, has worn the captain’s armband twice in the absence of current skipper Harry Kane — during a 2-2 draw against Belgium in March 2024 and a 3-0 win over Wales in October this year.
“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 [against Everton]. 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 absolutely incredible.”
A complete midfielder, says Rooney
Rooney highlighted Rice’s tactical versatility and work rate, noting how he constantly shifted roles during the match.
“He was splitting centre-backs, taking the ball off the 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,” Rooney said.
“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.”
Rooney backs Calvert-Lewin for World Cup chance
Rooney also spoke about former team-mate Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has rediscovered his scoring touch after a slow start to life at Leeds United.
The 28-year-old had managed just one goal in his first 10 league appearances, but has now scored in five consecutive matches, including two goals in Leeds’ 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
“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,” Rooney said, referring to next summer’s tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
“That’s purely because of the lack of forwards England have got.”
Calvert-Lewin’s all-round impact praised
Rooney believes the striker’s physical presence and aerial ability make him a valuable option when in form.
“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,” he said.
“You forget, he’s still quite young, he’s still got a bit left in him, and you forget how good a player he is.”
Calvert-Lewin scored 71 goals for Everton, but managed just three in his final season, missing more than three months with a hamstring injury.
Everton exit was the right call, says Rooney
“I think Everton made the right decision,” Rooney added.
“Over the past couple of seasons, he was never fit, really, and he was out of contract. It would have been very difficult for Everton to give him a new contract with his injury record.”
“He’s gone to Leeds, kept himself fit. The physios are doing a good job with him there.”
Gyokeres contributes beyond goals
Rooney also defended Viktor Gyokeres, who scored the winning penalty against Everton — his seventh goal in all competitions this season and first since November 1.
Despite questions over his output following his summer move from Sporting, Rooney believes the Swedish striker’s value extends beyond scoring.
“He does a bit more than what you see,” Rooney said.
“He occupies the two centre-backs. That creates space for your number 10 or wide players coming inside. He’s important for Arsenal — he’s doing a job which helps other players.”
Big role if Arsenal lift the title
While acknowledging Gyokeres could improve, Rooney insisted the striker remains crucial to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
“Can he be better? Of course he can. Should he score more goals playing in that team? Yeah, he should,” Rooney said.
“But if Arsenal go on to win the league, then he’ll have had a big role to play — definitely.”
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