The latest World Cup conversation is starting to reshape expectations around the tournament.
Tactical Shape
Declan Rice feels like he will get an assist "every time" he takes a corner – and says England fans should be "excited" for what is to come at the World Cup. Image source, Getty Images ByAlex HowellEngland reporter in Kansas CityPublished3 hours agoDeclan Rice feels like he will get an assist "every time" he takes a corner – and says England supporters should be "excited" for what is to come at the World Cup. England looked threatening from set-pieces during their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening match of the tournament.
Key Football Pattern
Harry Kane's opening goal from the penalty spot came after Noni Madueke was fouled following a Rice cross – and the England captain headed home his second from a Rice corner. The 27-year-old was part of an Arsenal side that scored from a record 19 corners last season as they won their first Premier League title in 22 years. However, the Gunners faced criticism for a pragmatic style of play and reliance on set-pieces (scoring 25 goals from set-plays overall). "Everyone's enjoying [set-pieces] now, aren't they?" Rice said, speaking to BBC Sport at England's base in Kansas City.
What It Changes
"Everyone's enjoying them now." Rice became Arsenal's designated set-piece taker in January 2024 after a mid-season training camp in Dubai – and the Gunners are now renowned for their prowess from such situations. "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.
The tactical question is whether the pattern can be repeated under pressure, or whether it only worked because of the specific match conditions.
Search Context
This story connects with football news, latest update, team news, fixture context, fan reaction, media pressure, FIFA World Cup 2026, squad selection. These related themes explain why the update may continue to attract search interest beyond the first headline.
Key Takeaways
- Kane is the central entity in this update.
- The story has direct relevance to World Cup 2026 coverage.
- The next stage depends on official updates, squad decisions, and follow-up reporting.
101Foot Editorial View: The strongest football stories are rarely about one isolated update. They become important when they change expectations, decisions, or pressure around the next fixture.
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FAQ
Why is this story gaining attention?
It connects to wider football themes such as form, squad decisions, fan pressure, and upcoming fixtures.
What happens next?
The next development will likely come through team news, manager comments, or follow-up reporting from major football outlets.
Source: Bbc
