England head coach Thomas Tuchel has appointed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as the vice-captain of the national squad.
The appointment establishes a clear leadership hierarchy for the team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup [1]. This move signals Tuchel's trust in Rice to manage the squad's dynamics and maintain stability on the pitch.
Tuchel said the announcement at Wembley Stadium in London during the squad reveal and a friendly match against Costa Rica [3]. The decision comes eight days before England's opening match of the tournament [2].
Tuchel said Rice was chosen because of his leadership, his work rate in the midfield, and his ability to support captain Harry Kane. The coach said Rice was the ideal deputy for the role [1].
The announcement coincided with the reveal of the full 26-player World Cup squad [4]. The selection process comes during a period of high momentum for Rice, following Arsenal's first Premier League title in 22 years [1].
Tuchel also addressed the team's prospects for the upcoming tournament. He said England are among the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup [2].
Reports regarding the timing of the appointment have varied. While some reports suggest Rice may not have been officially informed through formal talks before the public reveal, Tuchel said that Rice will serve as vice-captain [1, 5].
“England are among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup”
By appointing Rice as vice-captain, Tuchel is prioritizing a leadership structure that balances veteran experience with current domestic success. Linking the captaincy support to a player coming off a historic league title at Arsenal provides the squad with a psychological boost and a proven winner in the midfield, which is critical for a team positioned as a tournament favorite.
