The Three Lions will not be passing their armband on any time soon, with prolific striker Kane still very much the leader in that camp. He is already his country’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 73 efforts to his name, and is expected to break Peter Shilton’s appearance record of 125 caps.

While the Bayern Munich frontman has plenty left in the tank, he is 32 years of age and will either be phased out of international football or walk away on his own accord at some point. A new skipper will then be required.

Stuart Pearce knows what it takes to fill that role, with the Nottingham Forest legend taking great pride in leading England onto the field when performing at the peak of his powers. He believes that a maturing midfielder on Arsenal’s books is the ideal candidate to take over from Kane.

Pearce – speaking in association with Freebets.com, home of best casino sites – told GOAL when asked if the likes of Rice and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham are in the mix to succeed Kane: “I would like to see Declan Rice. I’m biased, I’ve worked with Dec at West Ham. I’ve seen his maturity coming through. He handled a move brilliantly away from West Ham, with the blessing of the West Ham fans. I think he would be perfect. Very unselfish young man as well. I think he’d be absolutely ideal to take over from Harry.”

England, who are now working under former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, will return to action in September when taking in 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

WHY RICE STANDS OUT

Declan Rice’s leadership credentials have been on display long before his high-profile move to Arsenal. As West Ham captain, he led the club to Europa Conference League glory in 2023, becoming the first Hammers skipper to lift a major European trophy in over 50 years. His influence in midfield—both on and off the ball—was central to that success.

Since joining Arsenal, Rice has seamlessly slotted into Mikel Arteta’s system, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the team’s spine. His tactical awareness, work ethic, and calm demeanor under pressure have not gone unnoticed. Rice has also worn the armband for Arsenal on several occasions, further underlining his ability to command respect in a dressing room full of stars.

MORE THAN JUST A MIDFIELDER

What sets Rice apart isn’t just his ability to break up play or distribute the ball—it’s his presence. Former coaches and teammates consistently highlight his ability to lift morale and lead by example. In an England squad brimming with attacking flair, Rice offers the kind of stability and quiet authority that can glue a team together when the stakes are highest.

He’s also known for being “unselfish,” as Pearce put it—often doing the dirty work in midfield so others can shine. That kind of self-sacrifice is exactly what many believe defines a true captain.

COMPETITION FOR THE ARMBAND

While Jude Bellingham continues to dazzle at Real Madrid with his flair and confidence, some believe he still needs time to grow into a leadership role. Other potential candidates include Jordan Pickford—known for his vocal presence—and even Bukayo Saka, who continues to earn plaudits for his consistency and composure.

But with Rice approaching his prime and already displaying captain-like qualities, his name is likely to stay at the forefront of the conversation for years to come.

LOOKING AHEAD

Whether the armband is passed next year or further down the line, the debate around Kane’s successor is only just beginning. For now, the Three Lions will rely on Kane’s leadership and goal-scoring instincts. But when that chapter closes, Declan Rice might just be the one best suited to write the next.