Declan Rice
EnglandMidfielderArsenalDeclan Rice goes into World Cup 2026 as a midfielder who can shape tempo and spacing for England. He brings 72 caps and 6 goals into the tournament. Arsenal provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Group L
Jun 17, 2026vs Croatia - 3:00 PM CDT
Quick Facts
Declan Rice and England World Cup 2026 Squad
England selected Declan Rice for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can give the ball a safe route forward and close central lanes when possession is lost.
Rice is part of a group of 7 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Declan Rice brings 72 caps and 6 goals into the tournament.
Rice's senior international timeline dates back to 2019, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Declan Rice enters the tournament with 72 caps and 6 goals for England.
- World Cup 2026 role: England list Declan Rice as a midfielder, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Rice's World Cup value starts with first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Rice's first touch can decide whether midfield pressure becomes a problem or a chance to play forward.
- Tempo control
- Pressure resistance
- Recovery runs
- Forward passing
- Second-ball duels
- Central spacing
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
England start against Croatia on 17 June 2026 in Dallas. For Rice, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Ghana follow on 23 June 2026 in Boston. For Rice, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves England chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 20263:00 PM CDT | Croatia | Dallas Stadium, Dallas |
| Jun 23, 20264:00 PM EDT |  Ghana | Boston Stadium, Boston |
| Jun 27, 20265:00 PM EDT |  Panama | New York/New Jersey Stadium, New York |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Declan Rice played 36 Premier League matches for Arsenal in 2025/26, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists.
Rice's latest checked appearance came on May 30, 2026, with 120 minutes in Paris Saint-Germain versus Arsenal.
Career Stats
Declan Rice brings 72 caps and 6 goals into the tournament.
For England, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Rice's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | England |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Arsenal |
| Caps | 72 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Born | 14 January 1999 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Declan Rice enters World Cup 2026 with England as a midfielder. The senior record stands at 72 caps and 6 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
England will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are ball security, passing choices and recovery runs.
England start against Croatia on Jun 17, 2026 in Dallas. Ghana and Panama come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Declan Rice in the England World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Declan Rice is in England's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Declan Rice play?
He is listed as a midfielder for England.
How many international caps and goals does Declan Rice have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 72 caps and 6 goals for England.
Who are England's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stage.
When is Declan Rice's first World Cup 2026 match?
England start against Croatia on 17 June 2026 in Dallas.
What is Declan Rice's latest club form?
He plays for Arsenal in the checked player facts.
More England World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more England squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group L Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 | Croatia | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Ghana | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Panama | 3 | -4 | 0 |