Kane is optimistic that Rice will perform exceptionally well at the World Cup, given her well-rounded abilities.

England's "Three Lions" will face Croatia in their first Group L match of the 2026 World Cup. In an interview, Harry Kane stated that if he had to choose a teammate, he believes Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will have an outstanding performance at the World Cup.

In the 2025/26 Premier League season, Rice scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists for Arsenal, helping Arteta's team win the Premier League title.

In addition, thanks to goals from Rice, Gordon and Watkins, Tuchel's England team won a 3-0 friendly against Costa Rica, successfully setting the stage for the World Cup with a winning streak.

When asked which teammate he particularly expected to perform well, England captain Harry Kane said, "That's a good question. If I had to say, I would think of Rice. I think he has maintained a very high level of performance for a long time."

"Rice is now at an ideal age, with his experience and physical condition beginning to combine perfectly. At the same time, his mentality in the game has become more mature, and this is not his first time participating in a major tournament."

Kane also said, "First and foremost, I hope he has a great World Cup. But yes, I have a special feeling for him this summer."

It's worth noting that England qualified for the World Cup finals with a perfect record in the European qualifiers, making them a favorite to win the title. However, the "Three Lions" will face strong competition from teams like Spain, Argentina, France, and Brazil in this major footballing event.

Kane said, "Like every major tournament, I think France, Argentina, Brazil and Spain are all very strong teams. There could be a very long list, and that's what makes the World Cup so tough."

"This is by no means a simple matchup between two teams. There will be many other factors that will influence the final result during the game, and we must be prepared for those situations. But without a doubt, these teams will pose a huge threat to us."

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