Declan Rice will serve as England’s vice-captain at the 2026 World Cup after head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed the appointment during the team’s training camp in Florida. Rice will act as deputy to Harry Kane as England prepare for their opening Group L match against Croatia on 17 June.
The Arsenal midfielder joined the squad in West Palm Beach alongside Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze after receiving extra time off following Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final.
Tuchel removed any uncertainty about the leadership structure. “I think I would say Declan is my vice-captain.”
The England manager also revealed that he had already discussed the role with Rice during a previous international camp when Kane was unavailable.
“But I think we had this talk when Harry was not in camp with us. We started with Ollie and I think Declan was captain. That was where I told him.”
Rice brings significant experience to the role. The 27-year-old has won 72 England caps and remains one of the first names on Tuchel’s team sheet. He also captained England during a friendly against Wales when Kane missed the match.
The appointment comes after a strong season for Rice at Arsenal. He helped the club win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final. Tuchel views him as a key figure both on and off the pitch as England chase their first World Cup since 1966.
England face Costa Rica in their final warm-up match before travelling to Kansas City. They will then begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia before facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.
