England midfielder Declan Rice has voiced considerable optimism regarding his impact from set-pieces, suggesting he anticipates an assist 'every time' he steps up to take a corner. Speaking from the England base in Kansas City, Rice indicated that the national team's supporters should be enthusiastic about what lies ahead at the World Cup, particularly following a promising start to their campaign.
The Three Lions demonstrated their potency from dead-ball situations during their opening 4-2 victory over Croatia. Captain Harry Kane's first goal, a penalty, stemmed from Noni Madueke being fouled after a Rice cross, while Kane's second was a header directly from a Rice corner. This proficiency mirrors the form Rice displayed at club level, where he became Arsenal's designated set-piece taker in January 2024. Under his delivery, the Gunners scored a record 19 goals from corners last season en route to their first Premier League title in 22 years, despite some criticism for a pragmatic approach that saw them net 25 goals from set-plays overall.
Rice explained that Arsenal's set-piece coach, Nico Jover, and manager Mikel Arteta identified a unique ability in him to deliver the ball into dangerous areas. "I wouldn't ever take corners or set-pieces, but Nico and the manager at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn't," Rice commented. "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."
England manager Thomas Tuchel, who took charge in January 2025, has reportedly focused on instilling a style of play that reflects the Premier League's intensity and tactical depth. While acknowledging that training time for set-pieces is limited due to other tactical priorities, Rice confirmed that the team has been refining their set-piece routines since Tuchel's arrival. "A lot of the way we've taken them hasn't changed much in terms of the movements, the way I deliver the ball... This has been going on in the lead-up for the past year, so the lads know what's coming," he added, emphasising the established game plan.
Chelsea captain Reece James, who is at his first World Cup as England's first-choice right-back, also acknowledged the wealth of talent within the squad for set-pieces. James, who worked with Tuchel at Chelsea, has recently overcome injury concerns, making 39 appearances for his club last season. He dismissed ongoing discussions about his fitness as "boring," stating his focus remains solely on performing at his best on the pitch.