World Cup 2026: Fans can be excited about England set-piece threat – Declan Rice ahead of Ghana match

England’s growing reliance on set pieces has drawn fresh encouragement from Declan Rice, who believes the national team can mirror the efficiency that powered Arsenal to silverware success.

The midfielder, who delivered the decisive corner in England’s win over Croatia, says dead-ball situations are becoming a decisive weapon rather than a secondary option.

England next take on Ghana in a decisive Group L clash on Tuesday, with a win securing qualification to the knockout stages for either side.

Rice’s delivery for captain Harry Kane to head home late in the first half underlined England’s increasing threat from structured routines. It also reflected a wider tactical trend, with England looking to maximise the same strengths that Arsenal leaned on during their title-winning campaign.

Arsenal’s set-piece influence

Arsenal’s recent Premier League triumph was built in part on their dominance from dead-ball situations, with 25 goals coming from set plays on their way to ending a long title drought. While critics have questioned the level of dependence on such methods, Rice insists the approach is both sustainable and effective.

“I wouldn’t ever take corners or set pieces, but (set-piece coach) Nico (Jover) and the manager (Mikel Arteta) at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn’t,” Rice told the BBC.

“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 (Bukayo Saka). From that moment, I really just bought into that, believed in that.

“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.

“That’s a good mentality to have over set-pieces … and England fans can be excited.”

England aiming to replicate club success

England head coach Thomas Tuchel is increasingly open to integrating Premier League principles into the international setup, with Arsenal’s model viewed as a potential template. The focus on rehearsed set plays and precision delivery is seen as a way to unlock tight matches in major tournaments.

Rice’s confidence reflects a broader shift in England’s tactical identity, where marginal gains are becoming central to their approach. With elite finishers such as Kane available, the precision of delivery is expected to play an even greater role as the tournament progresses.

If England can maintain the consistency Arsenal displayed in similar scenarios, their set-piece prowess could become one of the defining factors of their campaign.