Declan Rice, England's midfield maestro, is buzzing with anticipation as the nation gears up for the 2026 World Cup. With a knack for delivering from set-pieces, Rice believes his team is poised to make waves on the international stage. In a recent interview, he exclaimed, 'I feel like I'm going to get an assist every time I take a corner!'. This confidence stems from his transformative journey at Arsenal, where he became the designated set-piece taker, scoring from a record 19 corners last season. The Gunners' pragmatic style, often criticized, showcased Rice's ability to unlock defenses from dead-ball situations. Rice's success at Arsenal has translated to the international stage, where he's become one of England's most consistent corner takers. England's manager, Thomas Tuchel, has emphasized a style of play that mirrors the Premier League, and Rice's set-piece prowess is a key component of this strategy. The midfielder's belief in his abilities is infectious, as he confidently asserts that every set-piece delivery is a potential game-changer. This mindset is a stark contrast to the criticism Arsenal faced for their reliance on set-pieces, scoring 25 goals from set-plays overall. Rice's journey to becoming a set-piece specialist began with a mid-season training camp in Dubai, where he was identified as a unique talent by coach Nico Jover and manager Mikel Arteta. Their faith in his abilities has been well-placed, as Rice now consistently delivers dangerous balls from corners and wide free-kicks. The England squad is brimming with set-piece threats, including Rice, Harry Kane, and Reece James, who worked with Tuchel at Chelsea. James, England's first-choice right-back, has overcome injury concerns to become a key player. Despite initial doubts about his availability, James is now fully fit and ready to contribute to England's World Cup campaign. As the tournament unfolds, Rice's confidence and England's set-piece prowess will be pivotal in their quest for glory. With a blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance, the Three Lions are poised to make a significant impact, and Rice's belief in his abilities is a testament to the power of self-belief in the world of football.
