Rice: Dropped England stars will be back soon

Declan Rice's growing influence for club and country, captaining England amid absences, suggests punters could back England to win or consider a Rice man-of-the-match/goal-in-play market; his form also supports low-risk Arsenal win bets as he helps drive their strong start to the season.

Declan Rice Steps Up as England Cope with Key Absences

Captaincy and squad depth on show

Declan Rice captained England in the absence of several regulars, acknowledging the missing influence of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Rice said players want to "grab the shirt" and make the most of opportunities, while stressing the team still values the contributions of those sidelined and hopes to reintegrate them ahead of the World Cup.

Early momentum at Wembley

England produced a dominant performance inside the opening 20 minutes at Wembley, building on momentum from recent international camps. The victory underlined the squad’s ability to adapt without several high-profile names and highlighted the progress being made as preparations for next summer’s tournament intensify.

Club Form Fuels International Confidence

“Unstoppable” on current form

Rice says he feels "unstoppable" after an impressive start to the season, crediting clear game plans from his managers and personal confidence. He admitted the season began unevenly but that he has recovered his best form, feels fit and expects continued improvement for both club and country.

Impact on team standings

Rice’s club performances have contributed to his side sitting near the top of the table after seven games, reinforcing his role as a central figure in midfield. That club consistency is translating into leadership and poise on the international stage.

What This Means Ahead of the World Cup

Selection, cohesion and betting implications

England’s ability to integrate squad members and maintain momentum while key players are absent is a positive sign for tournament readiness. For bettors, Rice’s influence suggests value in markets such as man-of-the-match, shots on target or involvement-based prop bets, while England’s evident cohesion supports backing them in match-winner or handicap markets.

Declan Rice says England still need their notable absentees despite describing his side as an "unreal team".

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