Now leading by example, Declan Rice takes on the vice-captain role for England at the World Cup, a move Thomas Tuchel confirms reflects his steady rise in responsibility. The midfield presence earns trust through consistent performance, shaping quiet influence among teammates. Not shouted but seen, his position emerges naturally within the group dynamic.

Leadership settles into place without fanfare, simply part of how things unfold. A calm authority grows where actions speak louder than titles ever could.

That Saturday night saw Declan Rice land in Florida for England’s training session, tagging along with Arsenal pals Saka, Madueke, and Eze - fresh off lifting the league trophy and making it to the Champions final. Just before they showed up, the national team had already kicked things off with a tight 1-0 win against New Zealand down in Tampa.

Tuchel backs Declan Rice as England's leadership group takes shape

At 27, he’s now a key figure for England, inside the game and beyond. His character, along with what he’s lived through, stands out to Tuchel. That mix fits perfectly beside Harry Kane in leadership. The role of vice-captain feels natural for someone so grounded yet impactful.

After beating New Zealand, Tuchel said Rice got the job in October while Kane was away on international duty. "I think I would say Declan is my vice-captain," Tuchel said.

When asked whether Rice had been officially informed, the German coach responded with a smile: "That is a good question. I was just thinking about it. Whether it is an official thing or not."
"But I think we had this talk when Harry was not in camp with us. We started with Ollie and I think Declan was captain. That was where I told him."

Declan Rice keeps earning nods from Tuchel through steady work over the years. Though he’s only made it onto the field 72 times for his country, eyes turn to him when talk shifts to England’s path at the World Cup. His presence shapes plans, quietly but firmly.

Now all eyes are on Wednesday’s last practice game versus Costa Rica, set for Orlando. Training started on Sunday for the players from Arsenal. Tuchel hasn’t settled on how many minutes they’ll play. Despite that, decisions about playing time remain open.

The England manager hinted at a shift in strategy for the Costa Rica match compared to the game versus New Zealand. Back then, he split the squad; different lineups filled each half. This time, signs point toward something less divided. Not quite the same rhythm unfolding across ninety minutes.

While New Zealand saw pieces rotated like clockwork, now there's talk of continuity. One group holding shape from start to finish. Change in direction, subtle but clear. Less juggling, more cohesion on display.

Patterns adjusting without swapping out entire units. A steadier hand guiding selection choices. Consistency is creeping into sight where flux once ruled. Fewer moving parts expected under Friday’s lights. "We will get bigger chunks of minutes because it is part of the build-up."

Tuchel explained. "We need some players to play 60 or 70 minutes."
Yet appearances weren’t promised for any of the four Arsenal players. Still, he didn’t rule them out either. "I am not sure about that. Let's see how they come back. They come back, three training days, and let's see."

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A closed-door game with Miami FC comes after the Costa Rica clash, giving each player the needed minutes before the tournament kicks off.

Out come the Three Lions, heading for their World Cup hub in Kansas City this Saturday. Set to kick off against Croatia on June 17, kicking off Group L duties. Next up after that, Ghana enters the frame, then Panama steps in line. All part of Tuchel’s plan to push deep into tournament contention.