Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has lavished praise on Declan Rice, describing the midfielder as a transformative figure for both club and country ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Rice has grown into one of the most influential midfielders in European football since joining Arsenal from West Ham United in the summer of 2024, and Parlour says he expected nothing less from the moment the transfer was confirmed.

"I remember when he was going to sign, I was at my local pub, where Mark Noble also goes," Parlour told FourFourTwo. "I was chatting to Mark and saying, 'What's happening then with Declan, is he going to sign?' Because those two were good mates at West Ham and Mark said he'd heard he was. I was so pleased because I knew what a player he was."

More than a footballer

Parlour was keen to stress that Rice's impact extends well beyond matchdays. Noble, his former West Ham United team-mate, spoke glowingly of Rice's conduct on the training ground — his dedication, his focus, and his willingness to support younger players around him.

"There are a lot of young players that look up to Declan," Parlour said. "That's very important because that's where you do your hard work every day — at the training ground, talking to people and trying to help people."

The former Arsenal midfielder credited Rice's attitude as a driving force behind Arsenal's Premier League title triumph last season. Rice, he argued, leads not through words alone but through sheer effort — setting a standard that compels those around him to raise their own game.

"He's inspiring because he's never afraid to do the rough stuff — the horrible work, despite all the talent he has. You've got to really dig in sometimes and you can sense he does that. Players around him will do that too, so he's been an absolute inspiration for the Arsenal team."

England's key man at the World Cup

Rice started England's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture — a win against Croatia — and Parlour believes the Arsenal man will be central to England's ambitions throughout the tournament.

"He's a top player, and he's a top guy, which is as important as being a top player," Parlour added. "He's still a young lad too, so he's got plenty more years in front of him. He can do so much more for Arsenal and for England as well."

Parlour made his comments as part of the Best Seat in the House campaign, which calls on football supporters across the UK to back their local pubs during the tournament — highlighting the unique atmosphere that only a communal viewing experience can provide.