Declan Rice

Rice has been named in England's World Cup squad and is expected to be the undisputed first-choice defensive midfielder throughout the competition, the player around whom manager Tuchel's entire system is constructed.

Analysis: Rice ended the season having been one of the most important players in Arsenal's Premier League title-winning campaign, contributing four goals and seven assists across 36 appearances and playing a vital role both in protecting the defense and initiating attacks from deep. The Englishman brings an unrivalled combination of defensive intelligence, physicality and technical quality that makes him irreplaceable in England's midfield, and his ability to cover ground, win the ball and transition quickly in both directions has made him one of the best midfielders in the world over the past two seasons. Rice heads into the World Cup as one of the most important players in the squad and the defensive heartbeat of a Three Lions side with serious aspirations of going all the way at this tournament.

May 11, 2026

Delivers solid display

Rice recorded eight crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus West Ham United.

Analysis: Rice delivered a strong performance in Sunday's 1-0 win at West Ham, sending in a dangerous inswinging free kick in the first half that Riccardo Calafiori flicked toward goal before Konstantinos Mavropanos cleared off the line in what was his side's closest chance of the opening period, while adding eight crosses, one tackle and five clearances. Rice has registered four goals and five assists across 35 Premier League appearances this season, with his set-piece delivery and box-to-box presence contributing to several key moments in his side's title push.