A Kingston-born footballer is set to star for England at this summer's Fifa World Cup in North America.

Declan Rice, who was born in the borough in 1999, has been selected by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel following an outstanding season for his club side Arsenal.

This year's tournament has been subject to intense controversy, with concerns raised over ticket prices, transport costs, extreme heat, labour rights violations and the ongoing Iran war.

But Rice will be hoping to tune out the noise and make his mark across the pond following a season of spectacular displays with the Gunners.

The footballer who was bought by Arsenal for £105m in 2023, was instrumental as he helped Mikel Arteta's men end their 22-year wait for a Premier League trophy, notching four goals and five assists in addition to completing over 2,000 passes.

He also shone in the Champions League, managing 11 out of 12 clearances and a pass accuracy of over 90% as the North London side lost the final to PSG on penalties.

Indeed, such has been the 27-year-old's form that he has even forced himself into the Ballon D'or conversation alongside fellow London-born England teammate Harry Kane.

And with the former West Ham midfielder having come of age since the previous edition of football's showpiece event in 2022, he is expected to be one of the Three Lions leading lights as they bid to end 60 years of hurt.

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Fellow Kingstonian Luke Shaw, meanwhile, has missed out on selection, with Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly picked instead.

The Manchester United left back managed more tackles and interceptions in the Premier League than his City counterpart, in addition to winning more duels and aerial duels.

However, he notched just one goal and assist each compared to O'Reilly's five goals and three assists, suggesting the Sky Blues man has been chosen for his additional attacking threat.

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