Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will serve as England's vice-captain at the 2026 World Cup, cementing the 27-year-old's status as one of the senior figures in the squad.

Tuchel made the announcement after Saturday's friendly win over New Zealand, telling reporters: "I think I would say Declan is my vice-captain." When pressed on whether Rice had been formally informed, the England manager admitted the role was first communicated during a previous camp. "That is a good question. I was just thinking about it. Whether it is an official thing or not. But I think we had this talk when Harry was not in camp with us. We started with Ollie and I think Declan was captain. That was where I told him."

A season to remember

Rice arrives at the tournament in the form of his life. He has just helped Arsenal claim the Premier League title — the club's first since 2003-04 — and reach the UEFA Champions League final, which they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain last weekend. With 72 caps for the Three Lions, he will be among the most experienced players in Tuchel's starting eleven.

Rice previously wore the armband during Harry Kane's absence for an October friendly against Wales, with Ollie Watkins leading the attack in Kane's place — a stint that appeared to confirm his standing in the dressing room.

England's World Cup preparations

Rice and his Arsenal team-mates Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze joined England's training camp in the United States on Sunday, linking up with the group at their Florida base. The squad faces Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday before a behind-closed-doors fixture with Miami FC, then travels to their Kansas City headquarters on Saturday ahead of the tournament.

England open their World Cup campaign on 17 June against Croatia in Group L. They also face Ghana and Panama in the group stage — meaning African football fans will have a keen interest in how Rice and his side navigate that particular fixture.