Former England striker Wayne Rooney has hailed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as a "future captain" of the Three Lions after watching the 26-year-old help the Gunners return to the top of the Premier League with victory at Everton. Rooney, who captained England for three years from 2014 to 2017, was at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to see Mikel Arteta's side secure a scrappy 1-0 win on Saturday evening. "For me, he's the one who's probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point," Rooney said in the latest episode of BBC Sport's The Wayne Rooney Show. 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's irreplaceable for England."

Source: BBC December 22, 2025 06:11 UTC