England’s midfielder Declan Rice reckons the team’s set-piece prowess should excite their fans in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. The Three Lions registered a comprehensive 4-2 win against Croatia in their tournament’s opener.

Rice provided an assist to skipper Harry Kane from a corner, which the lanky forward capitalised on. Meanwhile, Arsenal scored 25 goals from set plays on their way to lifting a first Premier League title since 2004 and Rice played a key role in most of them. The Gunners also made it to the Champions League final.

“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 [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 were able to make a solid start as Harry Kane scored a brace whereas Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the back of the net against Croatia.

Rice is currently one of the best midfielders in the world and he has been spot on with his ball delivery from set pieces.

England will next take on Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in Group L on Tuesday.