Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has controversially suggested that Thomas Tuchel should strip Harry Kane of the England captaincy and has named who he believes should be the next two candidates for the role. Kane was on the scoresheet in Tuchel’s first game in charge on Friday night – a 2-0 victory over Albania.
Despite being one of the best strikers in world football, at 31, there are question marks over how long the Three Lions skipper has in international football, as he will be in his mid-thirties by the time the European Championships return to the UK in 2028. Keys, though, believes he knows exactly who should take the armband from the Bayern Munich man.
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Keys Suggest Declan Rice Should Replace Kane as Captain
The Arsenal midfielder used to wear the armband for West Ham
Taking to social media ahead of the Wembley win on Friday, Keys claimed that he would strip Kane as captain as he represents ‘another failed era,’ of English football and suggested that Arsenal’s Declan Rice should be the man to replace him. He also believes that once Rice’s time comes to an end, the mantle should then be passed on to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
“New era – so England need a new captain. I’d go Rice now – Bellingham next. Kane’s race is run. He’s too closely associated with another failed era. I’m not sure I’d even start him but Tuchel will for a few games.”
The 67-year-old also said that he wouldn’t even start Kane moving forward, though he didn’t name an alternative suggestion as to who should take his place up top. In that scenario, Ollie Watkins would seem to be the obvious choice as he is the current understudy, while a long-term option that has been touted in recent months is Liam Delap after his impressive form for Ipswich Town.
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Rice’s Captain Credentials
The midfielder has also led out England previously
Despite only being in his mid-twenties, Rice has plenty of experience as a captain, having replaced Mark Noble as the West Ham skipper when the Irons legend retired in 2022. He would go on to lead the Hammers to the Europa Conference League the following season before making his move to the Emirates.
Rice has also captained his country in the past, being given the honour for a friendly game against Belgium in 2024, the same game in which he earned his half-century of caps. The Three Lions would draw the game 2-2, thanks to a 95th-minute equaliser from Jude Bellingham, after Ivan Toney opened his England account to put the hosts ahead early on.
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