Wayne Rooney has identified Declan Rice as the natural long-term successor to Harry Kane as England captain, praising the Arsenal midfielder’s authority and all-round influence following the Gunners’ narrow 1-0 Premier League win at Everton.
Rooney, who led England between 2014 and 2017, was present at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Mikel Arteta’s side returned to the top of the table. While the victory was hard-fought, Rice’s performance stood out, reinforcing his growing leadership credentials at both club and international level.
“He’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots,” Rooney said on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show. “His decision-making, his passing detail, his understanding of when to drop in and when to get forward — it was incredible to watch.”
Already capped 72 times, Rice has twice worn the England armband in Kane’s absence, most recently in October’s win over Wales. Rooney highlighted the midfielder’s tactical intelligence and adaptability, noting his ability to operate as a deep-lying organiser, an auxiliary centre-back in build-up, and a late runner into the box.
“Some of what he does is underrated,” Rooney added. “He has the drive, the personality, and the respect of the group. For me, he’s irreplaceable for England.”
Rooney also suggested Dominic Calvert-Lewin could yet re-enter the England conversation ahead of next summer’s World Cup, following a strong run of form since his move to Leeds United.
The 28-year-old has now scored in five consecutive matches, including a brace in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, after a slow start to the season. Rooney believes England’s limited depth at centre-forward could work in Calvert-Lewin’s favour if his momentum continues.
“When he’s fit and scoring, he’s a handful,” Rooney said. “He’s good in the air, competes well, and contributes at both ends of the pitch. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t at least be in the conversation.”
Rooney also defended Everton’s decision to part ways with the striker, citing persistent fitness issues, but credited Leeds’ medical staff for keeping him available. “He’s still got plenty to offer,” he added.
Despite scoring the decisive penalty against Everton, Viktor Gyökeres has faced scrutiny over his output since joining Arsenal from Sporting. However, Rooney argued the Sweden international’s contribution should be measured beyond goals alone.
“He does more than what you immediately see,” Rooney said. “He occupies centre-backs, creates space for others, and allows Arsenal’s attacking players to find pockets.”
While acknowledging Gyökeres should be scoring more regularly, Rooney stressed his structural importance within Arteta’s system. “If Arsenal go on to win the league, he’ll have played a big part — even if it’s not always eye-catching.”
Taken together, Rooney’s assessments underline a broader theme: leadership, form, and tactical value often extend beyond headline statistics — a view that places Rice firmly at the heart of England’s future and offers renewed perspective on two forwards facing very different narratives.
