Standing at England's base in Kansas City, Declan Rice spoke with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you're capable of. "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," the 27-year-old midfielder told BBC Sport. It is precisely the mindset that has made him one of the most feared set-piece takers in the Premier League, and now England supporters are beginning to see why.
Rice's transformation into Arsenal's designated set-piece specialist began in January 2024, following a mid-season training camp in Dubai. Set-piece coach Nico Jover and manager Mikel Arteta spotted something in Rice that others had 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 recalled. "From that moment, I really just bought into that, believed in that." The investment paid off spectacularly: Arsenal scored from a record 19 corners last season on their way to a first Premier League title in 22 years, with 25 goals total coming from set-plays.
That same precision is now translating to the England national team. During their opening World Cup match, a 4-2 win over Croatia, Rice's deliveries caused constant problems. Harry Kane's second goal came directly from a Rice corner, while the opener arrived after Noni Madueke was fouled following a Rice cross. "Everyone's enjoying them now, aren't they?" Rice said with a grin, acknowledging the shift in attitude toward what was once seen as football's unglamorous side.
New England boss Thomas Tuchel has embraced the approach, building on work that began nearly a year before his January 2025 appointment. "A lot of the way we've taken them hasn't changed much in terms of the movements, the way I deliver the ball," Rice explained. "The lads know what's coming... where I'm going to deliver the ball. So there's a real gameplan and it's just on me to deliver and obviously the boys have to free themselves up in the box."
Also drawing attention in Kansas City is Chelsea captain Reece James, another player with elite set-piece ability who worked under Tuchel at Stamford Bridge. Despite a hamstring injury that cost him four weeks and England matches against Japan and Uruguay, James returned to make 39 appearances across all competitions last season—the kind of consistency he is determined to maintain. "People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it's so boring now," the 26-year-old right-back told 5 Live. "I just focus on myself, my body, trying to perform the best I can and help the team."
With Rice's growing reputation as one of England's most reliable corner takers and a squad full of set-piece threats, the Three Lions appear well-equipped to make dead-ball situations a defining weapon at this World Cup. "England fans can be excited," Rice said. After watching Arsenal's record-breaking season and seeing the chemistry build over the past year, that excitement seems entirely justified.