Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is targeting World Cup success with England in 2026, insisting the squad are all on the same page under Thomas Tuchel.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of England reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Arsenal’s Declan Rice made his first England appearance under Thomas Tuchel on Friday, only the second manager to have the job full-time since the 26-year-old’s debut in 2019.
Reflecting on how things have gone so far, Rice suggested the vibes in training have been very positive.
“The energy’s really good,” Rice said. “Training’s been amazing. The energy in training has been really, really top. I think that’s been the theme of the whole week really.
“Obviously, first time working with Thomas, he’s really energetic, cares so much about his players.”
HELSINKI, FINLAND: Declan Rice of England during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between Finland and England at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on October 13, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
As for what the group are focusing on, Rice says it’s all about qualifying for and then winning England’s second World Cup trophy.
“Ultimately, we have one goal, which is obviously to get to the World Cup and we want to add the second star onto the shirt,” Rice said. “I think [Tuchel’s] been massive on that.
“We’re all on the same page, and we’re all together on that.”
DUBLIN, IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Declan Rice of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
To an extent, the FA have helped to focus England’s attentions by handing Tuchel an 18-month contract, only lasting until the end of the World Cup. There’s no need to think about any other tournaments, just this one.
The schedule also helps, as there are only two friendly matches and zero Nations League games for the team in 2025. The other eight fixtures are all qualifiers for next summer’s tournament.
In every international break from March until November, the goal is winning qualifiers and securing a World Cup spot as quickly as possible.
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