There was never any doubt that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was going to be an integral part of England’s summer Euro 2024 squad, but the omission of former England midfielder Jordan Henderson has shown just how important the Gunners’ No.41 has become to the national side.

Henderson was a mainstay. But gradually Rice has taken over his leadership role. So it must have been a huge boost to Rice’s confidence when he heard the news that he is now the undisputed anchorman of England’s midfield.

Can Rice and England win the Euros?

England are one of the three betting favourites to win Euro 2024. It might sound mad to read that after nearly 60 years without a tournament win, but at the very least, the bookmakers think England can do well. Gareth Southgate’s team are the 3/1 favourites in the latest EUROs betting odds. The Three Lions are just ahead of France at 4/1 and the host nation Germany who are 9/2 in the EURO 2024 outright odds. Outside of the leading three nations, Portugal are 7/1 and Spain are 15/2.

Not all will agree with the bookmakers on England’s prospects. And that’s a fair comment. But there have been many competitions that England have been nowhere near favourite for. So for them to be this well fancied in the EUROs shows there must be something positive to cling onto for fans of the national team.

What dropping Henderson means for Declan Rice

So why is it relevant that Jordan Henderson was dropped? For years Gareth Southgate has faced criticism for being too loyal to some of his England players, especially some of the underperforming ones.

Jordan Henderson was one such name. Even though Henderson has been behind Declan Rice in the international pecking order for some time now, his presence in the squad always felt like he was there for the big moments. Almost like Rice wasn’t yet trusted to be the man to lead England’s midfield.

There was almost an unspoken belief that when things got critical, Henderson would be the man that Southgate turned to.

Henderson’s omission confirms that the England boss now sees that man as Declan Rice. At 25 years of age, Rice is now the senior midfielder in the EURO 2024 squad. It’s like Southgate is now convinced that Rice is his sole midfield general, and that there is no need for Henderson to be there as back up.

The changing of the midfield guard is complete.

A future captain for club and country

Martin Ødegaard is only a few weeks older than Declan Rice. The Norwegian has been outstanding for the Gunners and long may that continue.

Ødegaard’s presence may well mean Rice doesn’t become the club captain at the Emirates Stadium. But when the captaincy of the England national side becomes available, Rice looks to be the prime candidate to take over.

Rice is moving into the prime years of his career, and with Gareth Southgate indicating a move away from the older guard with his younger looking squad for the European Championships, it could be that when the England manager is looking for a new skipper, he overlooks the likes of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Jordan Pickford, and goes straight for the younger and arguably more suitable Declan Rice.