England’s journey to the World Cup had already been secured, but the night at Daugava Stadium in Riga offered a curious twist.
Amid the post-match hubbub, a man claiming to represent a Baltic sports agency slipped into the mixed zone, shouting a string of bizarre questions about the “Latvian lads” at Declan Rice.
Rice, ever composed, simply blinked at the interruption, offering a polite but puzzled smile, and waited for officials to escort the man away.
Once the commotion cleared, he carried on as if nothing had happened—a testament to his calm demeanor that has become his trademark on and off the pitch.
Bold Ambitions for the World Cup
Even with the qualification secured after England’s emphatic 5-0 victory, Rice’s focus remained sharp.
When asked about his expectations for next summer’s World Cup, he didn’t shy away from ambition.
“We want to win it,” he said. “That’s going to be a bold statement, but we’re England and we have world-class players all over the pitch.
If we didn’t think like that, I think that would be a weak mentality from us.
“We all want to win the World Cup, we’d all love that.
You see so many of the best players in the world who have won it, and you can see what it meant to them.
There’s a long way to go, and it’s just about building to that moment.”
Leading Arsenal to the Top
Rice’s form for Arsenal this season has been nothing short of stellar.
At the heart of the midfield, he has guided the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table, with Saturday’s clash at Craven Cottage against Fulham shaping up as another key test.
Talk around the Premier League often places him among the finest midfielders in England, and Thomas Tuchel relies on him as one of the first names on the teamsheet.
“I feel probably the fittest I’ve ever been at this stage of the season,” Rice said. “I just feel really strong.
When you’re confident in football, that’s one of the main things. I’ve had that for the last few years—I’ve felt really confident in my game.”
Confidence and Leadership on the International Stage
Rice’s growth extends beyond club football; he’s become a senior figure in the England squad.
Cap number 70 came on Tuesday night, a milestone he acknowledged with a mixture of pride and focus.
“I’m more confident within the group, too. I feel like one of the senior England players now.
It took me a few years to get here, but it’s happening quickly. I’m still only 26, so there’s plenty more to come.
“I just need to keep going and keep playing well. I’m in the leadership group, the lads ask me for opinions, I’m close with the younger guys, and obviously get on really well with the older ones. It’s good to bridge the gap between the two.
I want to do everything I can to help the team as we look towards next summer.”