Declan Rice has developed a strong sense of certainty when standing over a dead-ball situation, claiming he feels capable of creating an assist every time he takes a corner. Following Arsenal’s record-breaking performance from set-pieces last season, the midfielder has brought that same threat to the international stage.
Rice became Arsenal’s primary set-piece taker in early 2024 under the guidance of coach Nico Jover. He credits this transition to the technical staff identifying his unique ability to place the ball in dangerous areas, a skill he has fully embraced. This confidence remains high as he represents England at the World Cup, where he believes fans have every reason to be optimistic about the team’s prospects.
Under manager Thomas Tuchel, who took charge in January 2025, England has integrated specific set-piece routines into their training. Rice explains that while time is limited, the team has been refining these movements for a year, ensuring players understand his delivery style. Meanwhile, teammate Reece James addressed concerns regarding his fitness and injury history. The Chelsea defender dismissed the persistent talk about his availability as tiresome, stating his primary focus is on performing at his best whenever he steps onto the pitch.
