England midfielder Declan Rice said he expects to be "hated one minute and loved the next" during the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off for England on June 17 with a match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas [1, 2]. Rice, who has been capped 72 times by England, highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny England players face at major tournaments, calling the World Cup "the most-watched football event of the last four years" [1].
England’s only major tournament win remains the 1966 World Cup, now 60 years ago, adding to the weight on the current squad to perform on the global stage [1, 2]. Despite that history, Rice credited this generation of England players for having strong off-field harmony compared to the so-called "golden generation" teams of the past. He noted the close relationships extend beyond the pitch and even between club rivals, saying, "Whether it’s through social media or in real life, you can see that there’s a real connection between us... over the last few years with England, we’ve done so well, because we’re close on and off the pitch" [2].
Rice added that players from opposite clubs are often best friends, describing the England team as a "nice getaway" where teammates look forward to seeing each other, despite competing fiercely at club level [2].
At club level, Rice plays for Arsenal, who are on track to win their first Premier League title since 2004 if they secure victories in their last two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace [1, 2]. Arsenal will also face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, seeking their first European club trophy [1, 2].
England’s World Cup campaign officially begins June 17 in Arlington, Texas, when they face Croatia, setting the stage for Rice and his teammates to try to deliver a long-awaited major tournament success for England [1, 2].