Arsenal’s set-piece revolution continues to demonstrate how the strategy behind their domestic success has now extended to the international arena. While the Gunners’ dominance from dead-ball situations has long been a signature of Mikel Arteta’s tactical system, the recent evolution of Declan Rice into a reliable corner-kick specialist has proven highly beneficial for both Arsenal and England.

England gaining from Rice’s precision

During the ongoing World Cup campaign in North America, England wasted no time in utilising Rice’s deliveries. In the 4-2 triumph over Croatia, the midfielder played a pivotal role in orchestrating England’s attacking play, including an assist for skipper Harry Kane. With confidence at its peak, Rice is determined to help Thomas Tuchel’s side progress deep into the tournament.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Rice shared his mindset: “As time has gone on, I feel like now every time I place the ball for a set-piece — be it a corner or a wide free-kick — I feel like I’m going to get an assist or create something dangerous. That’s a good mentality to have with set-pieces, and England fans can look forward to that.”

The Jover influence behind Rice’s transformation

Rice’s emergence as a top-tier corner-taker was no coincidence. It stemmed from the meticulous work of Arsenal’s coaching team, particularly set-piece expert Nico Jover. The 27-year-old midfielder credits Jover for identifying an underused skill in his game. This calculated adjustment has turned Arsenal into a formidable force from dead-ball plays, contributing significantly to their first Premier League title in over twenty years. The effectiveness of Jover’s methods has even led Gary Neville to famously describe him as “the most annoying man in football” due to how his routines unsettle opposition defences. Rice added with a smile, “Everyone’s enjoying set-pieces now, aren’t they? Everyone’s enjoying them.”

Reflecting on his change in duties, Rice explained: “I never used to take corners or set-pieces, but Nico Jover and the manager at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn’t. They told me I could deliver balls from dead-ball scenarios into areas that no one else in the Arsenal squad could, apart from Bukayo Saka. From that moment, I bought into it completely and believed in it.”

Tuchel’s Premier League-inspired approach

Since assuming charge, Thomas Tuchel has been clear about his intention for England to mirror the intensity and tactical precision of Premier League football. That includes a strong focus on set-pieces, with Rice confirming that these routines have become integral to the team’s training sessions in Kansas City. Despite limited preparation time in international camps, the squad has already developed a solid understanding of their movements.

Rice elaborated on the process: “Since Thomas came in, we’ve been working on a structure for how we’ll take set-pieces. Not much has changed in terms of the movements or my delivery technique. This has been built up over the past year, so the lads know what to expect and where I’ll be putting the ball. There’s a clear plan — my job is to execute it and the boys just have to find space in the box.”

Reece James shrugs off injury talk

While Rice’s set-piece prowess captures the spotlight, Chelsea captain Reece James is also impressing as England’s first-choice right-back. After missing parts of the pre-tournament preparation due to a hamstring injury late in the club season, James has grown weary of ongoing discussions about his fitness. Despite those doubts, the 26-year-old featured in 39 matches last season and remains focused on his performances rather than the chatter surrounding his availability.

“People always talk about injuries and fitness, and honestly, it’s become quite boring now,” James told reporters. “My only responsibility is to perform at my best whenever I’m on the pitch. I understand where the doubts came from initially, but after a while, it gets repetitive. I was fit for a long stretch before my recent injury, and I don’t pay attention to outside noise. I just focus on myself, my body, and doing everything I can to perform well and help whichever team I’m playing for.”