Rice believes supporters should be excited by England’s dead-ball threat after his delivery helped drive the 4-2 win over Croatia.
Declan Rice says Mikel Arteta and Nico Jover saw a set-piece quality in him that others had missed, with the Arsenal midfielder now feeling he can create a chance “every time” he takes a corner or wide free-kick.
Rice was central to England’s set-piece threat in their 4-2 win over Croatia, with one of his corners producing Harry Kane’s headed goal.
Kane’s first, from the penalty spot, also came after Noni Madueke was fouled following a Rice cross.
That danger will have looked familiar to Arsenal supporters.
Rice, 27, was part of an Arsenal side that scored a record 19 goals from corners in their title-winning season, and 25 set-piece goals in total.
That strength brought some bitter criticism, but it also became one of the defining parts of Arsenal’s game.
Rice became Arsenal’s main set-piece taker in January 2024 after a mid-season camp in Dubai, with Jover’s influence clear in the routines that followed.
“Everyone’s enjoying [set-pieces] now, aren’t they?” Rice said. “Everyone’s enjoying them now.
“I wouldn’t ever take corners or set-pieces, but Nico [Jover] and the manager at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn’t,” Rice added.
“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. From that moment, I really just bought into that, believed in that.
“As time has gone on, 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.”
- Manchester City verdict reopens old wounds for Arsenal supporters as Wenger is vindicatedArsenal’s painful title near-misses against Manchester City look different now, after a ruling that changes the context around those seasons.
- Renee Slegers gets full backing of Arsenal board amid slumpRenée Slegers has addressed her Arsenal future and the backing she is receiving from the club during a difficult run of results.
- Mixed Arsenal injury news for Arsenal women before Manchester City tripArsenal get mixed injury news before facing Manchester City, with one player nearing a return while another remains sidelined.
- Arsenal make Emirates expansion decisionArsenal have settled on a new approach to the Emirates after two years of considering a major expansion of their home ground.
- Viktor Gyokeres left feeling ‘sour’ despite 3rd goal in 3 for SwedenViktor Gyokeres kept his remarkable Nations League run going for Sweden, but a late twist left the Arsenal striker frustrated in Zenica.