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England Appoints Arsenal's Declan Rice Vice-Captain for 2026 World Cup

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

England named Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup.
Declan Rice, who has 72 caps and is a key player for Arsenal manager Thomas Tuchel, captained England in the October friendly against Wales while Harry Kane was absent.
Declan Rice arrived at England’s Florida training camp on Sunday with Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka, Arsenal forward Noni Madueke and Arsenal defender Chukwubuike Eze.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, under Sven-Göran Eriksson, England named club star David Beckham—then with 115 caps—as World Cup captain, a role he relinquished after the 2006 tournament. The pattern of appointing leading Premier League figures continues, with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice serving as vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup, reflecting a long-standing reliance on club leadership for national stability.

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Story summary

England named Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup.
Declan Rice, who has 72 caps and is a key player for Arsenal manager Thomas Tuchel, captained England in the October friendly against Wales while Harry Kane was absent.
Declan Rice arrived at England’s Florida training camp on Sunday with Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka, Arsenal forward Noni Madueke and Arsenal defender Chukwubuike Eze.

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