England are heading into the World Cup looking to end 60 years of hurt.
The Three Lions have not won a major international tournament since 1966, but after years of growth under Gareth Southgate, there’s a feeling that Thomas Tuchel could finally deliver the goods.
This is a talented squad full of established internationals, and speaking to Bleacher Report, Harry Kane has tipped one of his teammates to really make his mark this summer.
Declan Rice has established himself as one of England’s most important players over the last few years, but Harry Kane believes the Arsenal midfielder could be about to reach another level at this summer’s World Cup.
Harry Kane tips Declan Rice to star at the World Cup
The England captain was asked which of his teammates he expects to thrive during the tournament, and his answer was immediate.
“That’s a good question. I look at someone like Dec. I feel like he’s consistently been playing at a high level for a long period of time. He’s getting to that kind of age where you start to I think mix the experience plus the physical attributes that he brings.
“You have kind of the mindset maybe shifts a little bit it’s not his first tournament.
“So, all those things kind of add up. So, yeah, but if I was to say anyone, I think Dec.
“I hope he has a great tournament, and yeah, I have a special feeling about him this summer.”
It is easy to understand why Kane feels that way.
Rice arrives at this World Cup in a very different position to previous tournaments. He is no longer the young midfielder trying to establish himself on the international stage. He is now one of England’s leaders and, of course, a Premier League winner.
That experience of winning will be vital, and as more young players come into the side such as Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson, England need Rice to step up as a leader.
Rice will be looking to add a World Cup to his Premier League winners’ medal this summer, and if he does, he could well be in Ballon d’Or contention.
Kane’s ‘special feeling’ about Rice could well prove to be true.
