Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Declan Rice as England’s vice-captain ahead of the World Cup, underlining the Arsenal midfielder’s growing influence within the national team set-up.
The 27-year-old joined up with the Three Lions’ training camp in West Palm Beach alongside Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, as preparations intensified in Florida.
England continued their warm-up schedule with a narrow 1–0 victory over New Zealand in Tampa, with Rice’s leadership role coming into sharper focus during the squad’s latest camp discussions.
The 72-cap midfielder has already filled leadership duties in the past, including captaining England during Harry Kane’s absence in the October friendly against Wales.
Tuchel has now formally placed Rice second in the captaincy hierarchy behind Kane, with Jude Bellingham also featuring in leadership conversations after wearing the armband in the second half against New Zealand.
“I think I would say Declan is my vice-captain,” Tuchel said.
When asked if Rice had been officially informed, Tuchel added: “That is a good question. I was just thinking about it. Whether it is an official thing or not.
“But I think we had this talk when Harry was not in camp with us. We started with Ollie [Watkins] as the No 9) and I think Declan was captain. That was where I told him.”
Rice and the Arsenal contingent fully integrated into training on Sunday as England shift focus to their final pre-World Cup fixture against Costa Rica in Orlando.
With leadership roles now clarified and preparations intensifying, Tuchel’s side continue shaping their final structure ahead of the tournament kickoff.
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