Jack Wilshere has described Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice as a ‘monster’ and a ‘freak’ and backed the Three Lions to end their long wait for a trophy at Euro 2024.
Rice, 25, will look to flourish at the Euros in Germany following a superb first season at Arsenal.
He started all but one of Arsenal’s Premier League games in 2023-24, playing a crucial role as Mikel Arteta’s side challenged for the title, finishing just two points behind Manchester City.
Rice cost Arsenal more than £100m but that already looks like money well spent, with the midfielder quickly establishing himself as one of the most important players in the Emirates dressing room.
Wilshere shared a dressing room with Rice during a spell at West Ham towards the end of his career and says the England star is a ‘freak’ and a ‘monster’ in training.
Rice, according to Wilshere, is England captain material and can ‘step on’ during the Euros after helping the Three Lions finish as runners-up in 2021 and reach the quarter-finals of the last World Cup.
Discussing Rice, Wilshere told The Sun: ‘I haven’t got the physical capabilities that Dec has. He just gets better week on week.
‘He’s more than good enough on the ball and what he brings off the ball physically, he’s right at the top.
‘I used to call him a freak physically but not just physically but technically as well. The way he trains, he’s a monster.
‘This is a big tournament for him, he was great in the last one but this is a step on. He’ll show those leadership qualities and when Harry isn’t playing any more, for me, he’s the next England captain.
‘His game intelligence has improved so much but he’s still young, there’s so much more to come.
‘As a midfielder you scan, you take a touch, look and think you’re in space, then bang, Dec is there taking the ball off you.’
Much is expected of England ahead of the Euros following promising but ultimately unsuccessful runs at the last three major tournaments.
Gareth Southgate’s side face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in Group C before they will hope to impress in the knockout stages and win a first major trophy since 1966.
Asked for his prediction for Euro 2024, Wilshere said: ‘In my opinion, England win this tournament. I think football’s coming home but the Netherlands could be dark horses.’
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