Declan Rice included in England's six-man leadership group ahead of Euro 2024

Declan Rice has become the latest name to be added to England's six-man 'leadership group' ahead of next summer's European Championship, say reports.

Since making his Three Lions debut in March 2019, the 24-year-old Arsenal midfielder has established himself as a regular in Gareth Southgate's plans.

In fact, the former West Ham captain is now deemed one of England's most important figures as he nears his 50th cap.

Rice's stature and influence within the squad has become apparent, especially of late as he featured in all eight of their Euro 2024 qualifiers in Group C.

And as a result, the midfielder has earned a so-called 'promotion' to Gareth Southgate's unofficial leadership group ahead of Euro 2014, according to the Daily Mail.

Southgate has maintained having a leadership committee throughout his seven-year reign as manager. Basically, this committee is made up of players who take on the responsibilities of a captain during international windows.

There has, of course, been a number of changes throughout the years. At one stage, Raheem Sterling, Eric Dier and Conor Coady were part of the 'unofficial' group.

But at this present moment, Declan Rice is included alongside Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Harry Kane, who was named skipper ahead of the 2018 World Cup,

It is also noted that Jude Bellingham's stature and overall presence has increased throughout the calendar year as he continues to impress for club and country.

Image credit: Getty

Bellingham, who has been one of Real Madrid's standout performers this season, admitted back in March that it would be his "biggest dream" to become England captain.

"That would be the biggest dream and the biggest honour in football I think is to captain your country," he said after England's win over Ukraine.

"There's a long pecking order that I highly respect and I'll wait my turn. In the meantime it's picking up what I can learn from them. This is the best place to do it. "

West Ham manager David Moyes also backed Declan Rice to become England captain one day.

"No doubt he is going to be an England captain in the future," Moyes said earlier this year. "He is going to be a top player."

Topics: England, Football World Cup, Declan Rice, Arsenal, Premier League, Gareth Southgate

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

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