Declan Rice is a bonafide star. Last year he set a new record with his £105 million move from West Ham to Arsenal, making him one of the most expensive English players in history. He is England’s number 4 and a likely contender to be the country’s next captain. This week the Uefa Euro 2024 kicks off in Munich, and on Sunday England will play Serbia. “We want to make history,” Rice said on his way to the airport on Monday. The weight on his shoulders is greater than ever, as manager Gareth Southgate has asked him to step up as dressing room leader, now that he is the most senior midfielder.
Rice and I meet where it all began: at Dickerage Sports and Community Centre in his hometown of Kingston upon Thames. The newly renovated pitch has reopened following investment from Müller as part of Rice’s ongoing partnership with the brand. It was there that he played five-a-side in his spare time while already a member of the Chelsea academy, which he joined aged seven.
