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.

Apr 20, 2026

Whips in three crosses

Rice had three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Manchester City.

Analysis: Rice would play the full 90 as usual Sunday but struggled to get his club the second goal they needed so badly, forced to defend against a highly active City attack. His best moments came with his three crosses and one chance created, as he now awaits another match for a league goal contribution, with his last coming March 1.