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Rice keen to bring Arsenal set-piece threat to England

Declan Rice is keen to bring Arsenal’s set-piece threat to the England team to aid the Three Lions’ hopes of success at this summer’s World Cup.

England showcased their set-piece threat during the 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening fixture of the tournament, when Rice’s corner kick was met by Harry Kane to score.

Rice’s delivery has been a weapon all season for Premier League champions Arsenal, who scored a record-breaking 19 goals from corners on route to a first title in 22 years.

The midfielder has said he has confidence that he can create chances whenever stepping up to take a set piece.

“Everyone’s enjoying [set-pieces] now, aren’t they?” Rice told BBC Sport.

“Everyone’s enjoying them now. I wouldn’t ever take corners or set-pieces, but [set-piece coach] Nico [Jover] and the manager at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn’t,” Rice said.

“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]. 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.”

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