Rice Feels Like He Will Get an Assist at Every Corner

Rice feels like he will get – England’s midfield maestro, Declan Rice, has been a pivotal figure in the team’s World Cup campaign, particularly in set-piece situations. With 74 appearances for his national side, the 27-year-old has become a key player in the squad, known for his ability to deliver dangerous balls from dead-ball situations. His confidence in these moments has grown significantly, and he has expressed that England fans should be “excited” about the opportunities his set-pieces can create.

Set-Piece Prowess on Display

In their opening World Cup match against Croatia, England demonstrated a strong reliance on set-pieces, which proved decisive in their 4-2 victory. Harry Kane’s opening goal came after a cross from Rice, which resulted in a penalty for Noni Madueke. Kane later added another goal from a corner delivered by Rice, underscoring the player’s influence on England’s attacking strategies. These moments have highlighted Rice’s unique ability to position himself as a threat from dead balls, a skill that has become central to the team’s approach.

“Everyone’s enjoying [set-pieces] now, aren’t they?” Rice said during an interview with BBC Sport at England’s training base in Kansas City. “Everyone’s enjoying them now.”

Rice’s confidence in set-pieces is not unfounded. His performance at Arsenal last season, where the club scored 19 goals from corners during their successful Premier League campaign, has cemented his reputation as a dead-ball specialist. However, the Gunners were often criticized for their pragmatic style, which prioritized set-pieces over more dynamic attacking play. Despite this, Rice has embraced the role, citing the team’s trust in his ability to create chances.

Rice was appointed Arsenal’s designated set-piece taker in January 2024 following a training camp in Dubai. This move marked a turning point for the player, who now sees his role as a critical part of the team’s identity. “I wouldn’t ever take corners or set-pieces, but [set-piece coach] Nico Jover and the manager saw something in me that others didn’t,” he explained. “They said I can put balls in areas from a dead ball that no one else in the team can, aside from Bukayo Saka.”

His belief in the strategy has grown over time. “As time has gone on, I feel like every time I deliver a set-piece—whether it’s a corner or a wide free-kick—I’m going to get an assist or make something dangerous happen,” Rice added. This mindset has become a cornerstone of England’s preparation, with Tuchel emphasizing the importance of replicating the high-tempo, set-piece-heavy style seen in the Premier League.

England’s Tactical Evolution

Under Tuchel’s guidance, England has focused on refining their set-piece execution. The German manager has worked closely with Rice and other players to develop a consistent approach, leveraging the squad’s strengths in dead-ball situations. “We’ve been putting this format and the way we’re going to take set-pieces in since Thomas came in,” Rice noted. “It’s been going on for the past year, so the lads know what’s coming—and where I’m going to deliver the ball.”

While the movements and delivery techniques have remained largely unchanged, the emphasis on set-pieces has elevated their importance. “There’s a real gameplan,” Rice said. “It’s just on me to deliver, and obviously the boys have to free themselves up in the box.” This structured approach has allowed the team to maximize their chances in critical moments, a tactic that has been crucial in their early World Cup success.

Reece James: A Relentless Right-Back

Another player contributing to England’s set-piece success is Reece James, the team’s first-choice right-back. The 26-year-old, who has worked with Tuchel at Chelsea, is making his World Cup debut after overcoming a series of injury challenges. His ability to take corners and free kicks has made him a vital asset, though his career has been marked by doubts about his consistency due to frequent setbacks.

“People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it’s so boring now,” James said to 5 Live in Kansas City. “I have one job, which is to be the best I can when I’m on the pitch.”

James faced skepticism after missing several matches due to injuries, including a hamstring issue that kept him sidelined for four weeks at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. This injury prevented him from playing in England’s games against Japan and Uruguay, but he returned in time to be part of the World Cup squad. His resilience and focus have allowed him to reclaim his place in the team, with 39 appearances for Chelsea this season serving as a testament to his commitment.

James admitted that the early doubts about his durability were understandable but emphasized his determination to prove himself. “I’ve been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don’t listen to too much noise,” he said. “I just focus on myself, my body, and trying to perform the best I can for the team I’m playing in.” His mental approach aligns with Rice’s, reflecting a shared belief in the power of set-pieces to shape outcomes.

The Broader Impact of Set-Pieces in World Cup Football

Set-pieces have long been a deciding factor in high-stakes matches, and England’s emphasis on them underlines the evolving nature of modern football. Teams like Spain and France have historically thrived in these scenarios, using precise deliveries and quick transitions to break down defenses. For England, the focus on set-pieces has provided a reliable source of creativity, especially in tight matches where conventional play may not yield results.

Rice’s experience at Arsenal, where the team’s reliance on corners was both a strength and a point of criticism, has informed his approach at the international level. While some fans may argue that over-reliance on dead balls can limit fluidity, Rice and Tuchel believe it enhances England’s chances. “We only get a small amount of time here to work on them because we have to cover so much else,” Rice said, highlighting the balance required in training.

James’s inclusion in the squad further demonstrates the team’s strategic depth. His ability to operate from the flank, combined with his set-piece expertise, offers England versatility. “I understand the stigma at the start, but after a while, it gets boring,” James added. “I just want to show I can contribute consistently, no matter the circumstances.”

Looking Ahead to the Tournament

As the World Cup progresses, the effectiveness of England’s set-piece strategy will be closely monitored. Rice and James have both stressed the importance of execution, with Rice focusing on his delivery and James on his resilience. Their combined efforts could be the key to unlocking more goals, particularly in a tournament where dead-ball opportunities are often decisive.

The Three Lions’ success in the opening match against Croatia has set the stage for a promising campaign, but challenges remain. Tuchel’s tactical adjustments and the team’s focus on set-pieces have created a cohesive plan, one that Rice is eager to see implemented on the global stage. “England fans can be excited,” he said, “because the way we take set-pieces has been honed over time, and it’s going to make a real difference.”

With the tournament’s fixtures and group standings shaping the path ahead, England’s reliance on set-pieces will likely continue. For Rice and James, this strategy represents not just a tactical choice but a belief in their ability to influence the game in pivotal moments. As the competition intensifies, their contributions will be vital in helping the national team achieve its goals.

Whether it’s a corner or a free-kick, the duo’s expertise in dead-ball situations could determine the outcome of future matches. Their camaraderie and shared mindset—rooted in confidence and preparation—reflect a team that has embraced a new identity under Tuchel. This blend of experience and ambition positions England to compete strongly in the World Cup, with set-pieces playing a central role in their plans.

World Cup Fixtures and Group Standings

As the World Cup unfolds, the schedule will test England’s ability to maintain their set-piece efficiency. The opening match against Croatia was just the beginning, and the team will face a range of opponents in their group. With their strategy now well-established, England will aim to convert these opportunities into points, leveraging the skills of players like Rice and James.

For fans, the opportunity to witness this strategy in action is a highlight of the tournament. The BBC offers comprehensive coverage, ensuring that every corner and free-kick is analyzed in detail. This level of insight will help supporters appreciate the nuances of England’s approach and the potential it holds for the rest of the competition.

In summary, the World Cup has brought a renewed focus on set-pieces for England, with Declan Rice and Reece James leading the charge. Their combined skills and mental fortitude exemplify the squad’s commitment to this tactic, which has already shown promise in their early games. As the tournament progresses, the success of this strategy will be a key indicator of England’s chances to advance further in the competition.