Declan Rice highlights how unity in the England squad is driving recent results, with the group again targeting silverware at a major tournament. After deep runs at Euro 2021, the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, England now enter the upcoming World Cup among the leading contenders.

Rice has become a constant figure in these campaigns, playing a central role in both European Championship finals and the 2022 World Cup quarter-final. Under Thomas Tuchel at this summer’s World Cup, Rice is expected to be vital again as England prepare for Group L opponents Croatia, Panama and Ghana.

Previous England squads often struggled with internal divisions, with Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard both admitting difficulty forming bonds across fierce club rivalries. Rice stresses that this dynamic has changed, with current internationals building genuine relationships that remain strong despite intense competition in the Premier League.

Discussing the atmosphere inside the camp, Rice told British Vogue: “Whether it’s through social media or in real life, you can see that there’s a real connection between us,” before reflecting on how that culture contrasts with what former players have described from earlier decades.

Rice acknowledged the stories shared by former internationals, saying: “You obviously hear about the older generation talking about how they didn’t get on and how they couldn’t connect and play together. But I think with us, that’s why, over the last few years with England, we’ve done so well, because we’re close on and off the pitch.”

That togetherness extends across club divides. Rice said: “Grealo’s [Jack Grealish] one of my best mates in football. We obviously all play against each other, but football’s not like that any more. A lot of people have best friends from opposite teams, spend a lot of time with players from opposite teams. With England, we all get on. We always look forward to seeing each other. It’s a nice getaway.”

England World Cup expectations and Opta data

Analytical models underline England’s strong position before the tournament. The Opta supercomputer gives England an 11% chance of becoming world champions, ending a 60-year wait for the trophy. Only Spain and France receive higher probabilities in those projections.

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Rice understands the huge global focus that will surround the team. “It’s going to be the most-watched football event of the last four years,” Rice added. “One minute you’re going to be hated, one minute you’re going to be loved. It always changes in football. You’ve just got to take it with a pinch of salt.”

England World Cup schedule and preparation details

England’s build-up includes friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica, allowing Tuchel to assess options and refine tactical details. The World Cup campaign then starts against Croatia on 17 June, before group matches against Panama and Ghana that will shape England’s route through the knockout stages.

The picture around England is clear: Rice remains central to the plan, the Opta numbers place the team close to Spain and France, and the current squad harmony contrasts sharply with older eras. Those elements combine to frame England as major contenders as another World Cup approaches.