England midfielder Declan Rice says he feels like he will get an assist “every time” he steps up to take a corner at the World Cup.
The 27-year-old played a key role in England’s 4-2 opening victory over Croatia, contributing to two of Harry Kane’s goals from dead-ball situations.
Kane converted from the penalty spot after Noni Madueke was fouled following a Rice delivery, before heading home his second from a Rice corner.
Rice became Arsenal’s primary set-piece taker in January 2024 following a mid-season training camp in Dubai, transforming the Gunners’ threat from dead balls.
Arsenal scored from a record 19 corners last season as they claimed their first Premier League title in 22 years, with Rice central to that success.
“Everyone’s enjoying [set-pieces] now, aren’t they?” Rice told BBC Sport at England’s base in Kansas City. “Everyone’s enjoying them now.”
Rice credited Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nico Jover and the club’s manager for recognising an ability in him that others had previously overlooked.
“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],” Rice said.
“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.”
Rice added that the confidence he carries into set-piece situations is exactly the mindset required at tournament football, telling fans to look forward to what is coming.
“That’s a good mentality to have over set-pieces… and England fans can be excited,” the vice-captain said, underlining his belief in the squad’s delivery from dead balls.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has placed significant emphasis on set-pieces since taking charge in January 2025, building a clear tactical framework around them.
Rice explained that despite limited training time at the tournament, the routines have been refined over the course of the past year under Tuchel’s guidance.
“This has been going on in the lead-up for the past year, so the lads know what’s coming… where I’m going to deliver the ball,” Rice said.
Chelsea captain Reece James, another player capable of delivering set-pieces, acknowledged the “huge threats” that exist within the current England squad.
The 26-year-old is appearing at his first World Cup as England’s first-choice right-back, having previously worked under Tuchel during their time together at Chelsea.
James missed England’s matches against Japan and Uruguay with a hamstring injury sustained at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, but returned in time for the tournament.
He ended the season with 39 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, demonstrating his ability to contribute consistently when available for selection.
Questions about his fitness have followed James throughout his career, but the defender made clear he has grown tired of the ongoing conversation surrounding his availability.
“People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it’s so boring now,” James told 5 Live in Kansas City, insisting his sole focus is performing when selected.
