Declan Rice has opened up on England's World Cup ambitions, with the Arsenal midfielder taking on a "leadership" role under Thomas Tuchel. Fresh from sealing World Cup qualification in ruthless fashion, Rice insists that the squad's hunger and maturity have reached new heights. The Three Lions are dreaming big and are ready to do what it takes to bring back the global crown.
England unstoppable under Tuchel in qualifying
England’s World Cup charge has been flawless. Tuesday’s 5–0 demolition of Latvia in Riga not only secured their ticket to North America but also underlined their dominance under new boss Tuchel. Two goals from Harry Kane, an own goal from Maksims Tonisevs and strikes from Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze sealed England’s sixth win from six qualifying matches. They’ve also kept six clean sheets, scoring 18 times in the process, a perfect record that screams of intent. It’s clear this team has rediscovered its swagger. And with the likes of Rice, Kane, and Gordon hitting top form, England are shaping up as genuine contenders to lift the World Cup next summer.
AdvertisementAFPRice targeting glory in 2026
For a player who has experienced two major tournament finals already, Rice’s conviction hits differently. He’s been close before, and now he’s determined to ensure England finally get their hands on a trophy that has eluded them for nearly six decades.
"We want to win it," he said to the . "That’s going to be a bold statement but we’re England and we have world class players all over the pitch. If we didn’t think like that, I think that would be weak mentality from us. We all want to win the World Cup, we’d all love that, to get our hands on that in our career. You see so many of the best players in the world, they’ve won that in the past, and what it meant to them. There’s a long way to go and it’s just about building to that moment."
Rice, now 26 and a vice-captain for England, has embraced his growing responsibility within the national setup.
"I feel like one of the senior England players now," he added. "I think it took me a few years in this England team to get to that stage but tonight was cap 70 for me. So it’s going so quickly. I’m still only 26 you know. I just need to keep going, keep playing well. I’m in the leadership group, the lads ask me for opinions, I’m really close with the younger guys here, and obviously I get on really well with the older guys. It’s good to bridge the gap between the two. I just want to do everything I can to help the team as we look towards next summer."
Arteta & Tuchel have unlocked Rice 2.0
At club level, Rice has become the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who sit proudly atop the Premier League table. The manager has transformed the player from a holding midfielder into a box-to-box menace. Freed from just defensive duties, he’s begun to influence games in the final third, chipping in with goals and assists while maintaining his defensive steel. Tuchel, too, has recognised Rice’s versatility and used it to perfection for England.
"I can play No. 6 or No. 8," said Rice recently. "I think now I am more of a box-to-box No. 8. The manager has adjusted my position at Arsenal a bit this year, given me a bit more freedom to drop deep, but also get in the box when I can. It is the same with Thomas. I think that really suits me on that left side of midfield. Being able to get back, being an all-round action midfielder is what I want to be, and I am just enjoying my football.
"I have got two managers who lay it out really easy with the game plan, what I have to do and where I have to be. Obviously, I am the one that has to go and execute it, but when you have confidence in football, you feel unstoppable at times. I ended the season really strong last year and probably didn’t start one or two games of this season as good as I wanted, but I have picked up my form now. I feel really strong. I feel fit, really confident in my game, and hopefully the only way is up from here for England and Arsenal."
Getty Images SportEngland's road to North America
Rice and Co know there’s still work to do before they begin their finals campaign. England face Serbia at Wembley on November 13, followed by a final qualifier away to Albania three days later. But with their place at the World Cup already secured, those fixtures will serve as preparation for the real mission as they are more determined than ever to end what will be 60 years of hurt.
