Declan Rice has been a key player for England at the 2026 World Cup and the Arsenal midfielder has been speaking about his set-piece prowess
Declan Rice believes he will create an assist every time he delivers a set-piece as England look to harness the Arsenal midfielder’s dead-ball prowess at the World Cup.
Mikel Arteta’s side netted 25 goals from set plays en route to securing a first Premier League crown since 2004, with that threat also propelling them to a second Champions League final.
Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s achievements and registered an assist in England’s victorious opener against Croatia, with his corner headed home by Harry Kane late in the first half.
The captain’s breakthrough in Wednesday’s 4-2 victory came from a retaken penalty awarded following one of the vice-captain’s corners and he has promised supporters there’s more to come.
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“I wouldn’t ever take corners or set-pieces, but (set piece coach) Nico (Jover) and the manager (Mikel Arteta) at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn’t,” Rice told the BBC.
“They said that I can put balls in areas from a dead ball that no-one else can in the team at Arsenal other than Bukayo (Saka). From that moment, I really just bought into that, believed in that.
“As time has gone on I feel like now every time I put down a ball for a set-piece – whether it’s a corner or a wide free-kick – I feel like I’m going to get an assist or make something happen that’s dangerous.
“That’s a good mentality to have over set-pieces… and England fans can be excited.”
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