Arsenal star Declan Rice has gone from strength to strength for both club and country over the course of his career.
The England international became the most expensive English player of all time in 2023 when Arsenal signed him from West Ham United.
Rice is now a regular for both Arsenal and England, having made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
He is also a role model for his peers, with Myles Lewis-Skelly recently saying he looks up to Rice.
However, new manager Thomas Tuchel has now been accused by Danny Murphy of potentially doing something that risks “suppressing” Rice.
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Danny Murphy believes Jordan Henderson inclusion in England squad risks ‘suppressing’ Declan Rice’s captaincy hopes
Murphy, speaking on talkSPORT, expressed his bemusement at Tuchel’s first England team selection.
The new Three Lions manager went with a number of veteran players who were regulars under Gareth Southgate.
Kyle Walker, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were all included in the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Murphy believes having the likes of Henderson in the England squad risks “suppressing someone like Declan Rice’s rise to being a leader”.
When asked about Tuchel’s team selection, Murphy said: “Didn’t get it at all.
“(Rashford) I understand that one, more because he’s a possibility of playing in the World Cup. Henderson’s not even playing for his club.
“If you’re taking him there for character and leadership – well, they’ve already got Walker there, they’ve already got (Jordan) Pickford there, they’ve already got (Harry) Kane there, they’ve already got Declan Rice there.
“Jordan’s been a great player, there’s no criticism of his career or anything like that, or his capability, but now he’s not playing, so he’s not ready to play because he started two games in the last ten.
“So what’s he there for? Yeah, he’s there to help the others and who needs help in that squad – sure, you do need some older people and more experienced around, but are you not suppressing someone like Declan Rice’s rise to being a leader?
“I mean, Jordan Henderson, when Stevie G (Steven Gerrard) left, Jordan kind of burst through the clouds to become (a leader).”
What Declan Rice previously said about captaining England
Rice was given the chance to captain England when he won his 50th cap back in March 2024, with the Three Lions taking on Belgium in a friendly.
The Arsenal star was blown away by the opportunity to lead his nation out.
“I’m speechless to be honest with you,” Rice told reporters ahead of the game.
“I’m absolutely lost for words. When he [Southgate] said to me last night ‘you are going to be captain,’ I gave him a hug, shook his hand and said ‘thank you very much.’ I owe him a lot.
“Since I first came into the team, he has always made me feel at home. I always felt so comfortable playing under him.
“I’ve really grown in confidence so on my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of family, my friends, it is an absolute honour. I think you can see my face I am speechless.”
