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Declan Rice: "Every time I take a corner, I feel like I can make an assist"

Declan Rice expresses confidence in his set-piece abilities, saying he feels capable of providing an assist every time he takes a corner. Highlights England's effectiveness at set pieces in their opening World Cup match against Croatia.

Declan Rice is confident that every time he takes a corner, he has the chance to provide an assist and urges England fans to be "excited" for what awaits us at the World Cup. England showed their threat from set pieces during their 4-2 win against Croatia in their opening match of the tournament. Harry Kane's first goal from the penalty spot came after Noni Madueke was brought down following a cross from Rice, and the England captain scored his second goal with a header from a corner taken by Rice.

The 27-year-old was part of an Arsenal team that scored from a record 19 corners last season, winning their first Premier League title in 22 years. However, the Gunners have faced criticism for a pragmatic style of play and reliance on set pieces, having scored 25 goals overall from set-ball situations. “Everyone's having fun with set pieces now, aren't they?” said Rice, speaking to BBC Sport from England's base in Kansas City. “Everyone is having fun now.” Rice became Arsenal's designated set-piece taker in January 2024 following a mid-season training camp in Dubai, and the Gunners are now renowned for their ability in these situations.

"I would never have taken corners or set pieces, but [set piece coach] Nico [Jover] and the Arsenal manager saw something in me that others didn't," Rice said. "They said I can put the ball into areas from a set piece which no one else in the Arsenal team can do, except Bukayo [Saka]. From that moment, I really believed in that.

As time goes by, every time I put the ball in for a set piece, whether it's a corner or a free kick from the side, I feel like I can get an assist or create something dangerous. It's a good mentality to have at set pieces... and England fans can get excited about it."

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