Gabby Agbonlahor, the former Aston Villa striker, has declared that Jude Bellingham is the only logical candidate to succeed Harry Kane as England captain — brushing aside any claims that Declan Rice should inherit the armband.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor called the choice a "no-brainer" and drew a striking comparison between Bellingham and the legendary Zinedine Zidane, citing the Real Madrid midfielder's ability to carry his team through the most demanding moments.

Rice ruled out as natural successor

Agbonlahor's comments come in the wake of manager Thomas Tuchel naming Rice as England's vice-captain — a decision that appears to have done little to shift his view. For the former striker, Bellingham's on-pitch influence sets him far apart from any rival for the role.

"He's the next England captain. Let's not get it twisted — people talk about Declan Rice, no it's not. Jude Bellingham is the next England captain after Harry Kane. No-brainer. Say no more," Agbonlahor said.

A Zidane-like force for the Three Lions

Agbonlahor went further, arguing that Bellingham's combination of match-winning quality and off-pitch composure makes him the complete package for the role.

"He reminds me of Zidane, the way he plays and stuff. He's dragging this team through at the moment. I think he's world class, I really do," he said. "You listen to him off the pitch — he's got a real calmness about him. I think he's been excellent and really dragging this team through."

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the question of who leads England beyond Kane's tenure is growing in urgency. For Agbonlahor, that question has only one answer.