Declan Rice, who captained England against Wales last October, is set to earn his 74th cap when the team faces Croatia on Wednesday. The 27-year-old midfielder, fresh from winning the Premier League with Arsenal, has been appointed England's vice-captain by manager Thomas Tuchel.
Early Days and Character
Three years ago, Rice was the star guest at a Soho House event about effective leadership. Tickets were in high demand, but Rice couldn't understand the interest. The audience, packed with marketing directors and CEOs, was drawn to his everyman appeal—his ability to connect with everyone. Whether speaking to executives or visiting his old school, Rice remains authentic and genuine.
Stephen Willmore, Rice's former PE teacher at Grey Court school in Ham, south-west London, recalls a seven-year-old Rice who joined Chelsea's academy without any arrogance. He captained the school team and never missed a game, often playing for the school before heading to Chelsea training. 'He was a leader already,' Willmore says. 'He was charismatic and had a great personality.'
Rejection and Resilience
Rice came from a family of Chelsea fans, but at 14, he was released by the club. 'That shock of my dad telling me, I just burst into tears,' Rice said in 2019. West Ham, who had tracked him since he was nine, quickly offered him a deal. Academy staff had never seen a better trialist, despite Rice needing to adjust physically after a growth spurt.
Joining West Ham meant crossing London and leaving his tightknit family in Kingston. Homesickness was a challenge, but his parents were always supportive. West Ham's youth coaches were sometimes divided over whether to keep him, but Rice's development continued. He made his first-team debut under Slaven Bilic in May 2017.
Rise at West Ham
Former West Ham captain Mark Noble remembers Rice stepping out of defence to 'hit a diagonal ball out to the left wing with a lovely bit of fade on it.' Aaron Cresswell recalls a pre-season friendly against Rubin Kazan in July 2016, where Rice gave the ball away and the opponent scored. 'His reaction told me what he was like. It wasn't like his head was down. It was: 'Fine, give me the ball, I'm going to show you what I've got.' I thought: 'Gosh, he's going to be some player.''
Rice was a 'cocky little kid' who could hold his own in the first-team dressing room. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind, even to manager David Moyes. 'If he felt something needed to be said, he'd say it,' Cresswell says. 'Everyone loved him.'
Move to Arsenal
After driving West Ham to the Europa Conference League title in June 2023, Rice became the most expensive British player ever, joining Arsenal for £105 million. Bayern Munich and Manchester clubs were interested, but Mikel Arteta's vision won him over. Arteta said Rice could be Arsenal's 'lighthouse'—someone to guide and improve those around him.
At Arsenal, Rice has evolved from a defensive midfielder to a No. 8 under Arteta. His attacking threat was evident when he scored in England's 3-0 friendly win against Costa Rica on Wednesday, arriving late to convert a cross from Anthony Gordon. Cresswell notes, 'If he's around better players, he'll naturally become a better player. He's one of the best in the world in that position.'
Leadership and Character
Rice's leadership is natural. He doesn't use a traditional agent, relying on his two older brothers, his father, and close friends. He remains in touch with old schoolmates and is known for his professionalism and ability to connect. At West Ham, he once wound up Joe Hart during a shooting session, chipping him after Hart failed to save a shot. 'He wanted to kill him,' Cresswell laughs, 'but Dec's heart was in the right place.'
Rice has 10 commercial partners, including Burberry and L'Oréal, and works with one charity. He enjoys golf (playing off a handicap of six) and has an eclectic music taste, from Gunna to Harry Styles. After Arsenal won the league, he celebrated until early hours, taking selfies with fans, then played golf after a few hours' sleep.
England and World Cup Ambitions
Rice has experienced near misses with England, losing Euro 2020 and 2024 finals, and was part of Arsenal's three consecutive second-place finishes before winning the title. 'It's not done,' he said after Arsenal lost to Manchester City in April, showing faith in Arteta. 'He sometimes doesn't need to have the armband. When he talks, people listen,' Arteta says.
As England prepare for the World Cup in stifling Florida conditions, Rice joked about his bright red face after a telling-off from his mum for not using suncream. Tuchel has entrusted him as Kane's deputy, and England will rely on his drive and leadership this summer. The aim is to put a second star on the shirt, and if Rice gets his hands on the World Cup, there will be plenty more talks on leadership.
