Wayne Rooney has backed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to become the next captain of England.
Rice has been a standout in Arsenal’s run to the top of the Premier League table this season and impressed Rooney during the club’s 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday evening.
The ex-England captain hailed Rice’s display at The Hill Dickinson Stadium and believes the 26-year-old is now ‘irreplaceable’ for club and country. Discussing what’s next for Rice, Rooney believes he is the outstanding candidate to become England captain, when Harry Kane departs international football.
“For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point,” Rooney told BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show.
“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.
“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.
“He’s the right one to take over [Kane] 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.”
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