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Declan Rice Delivers Corner Duties

2026-06-29 · Declan Rice · Player Focus

Declan Rice Delivers Corner Duties

Declan Rice has taken on corner duties, and it's paying off for England and Arsenal. The midfielder's delivery was instrumental in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia on 18 Jun.

What happened?

Rice's emergence as a premier corner-taker wasn't an overnight accident, but rather a calculated move by Arsenal's coaching staff, especially Nico Jover.

The Jover effect for Rice

Jover, the club's set-piece specialist, saw a talent in Rice that remained untapped for much of his early career. This transformation has turned the Gunners into a juggernaut from dead-ball situations.

Rice credits Jover for his new role, saying he can put balls in areas from a dead ball that no-one else can in the team at Arsenal, other than Bukayo Saka.

Tuchel's Premier League blueprint

Thomas Tuchel has been vocal about his desire to see England replicate the high-intensity, tactically rigorous style seen every week in the Premier League, with a heavy emphasis on set-pieces.

Rice notes that set-pieces have been a core part of the training regime in Kansas City, and the squad is already well-drilled in their movements.

The midfielder detailed the preparation process, stating that they've been putting this format and the way they're going to take set-pieces in since Tuchel came in.

What comes next?

Rice's confidence is currently at an all-time high as he looks to guide Tuchel's side deep into the tournament. He feels like he's going to get an assist or make something happen that's dangerous every time he puts down a ball for a set-piece.

Gary Neville has labelled Jover the most annoying bloke in football due to how frequently his routines frustrate opposition defences.

Rice said everyone's enjoying set-pieces now, and the tactical tweak has even seen the Gunners secure their first league title in over two decades.

The 27-year-old's delivery has been a key factor in England's World Cup campaign, and he's determined to continue making an impact.

On 18 Jun, Rice's influence was all over England's attacking output, including an assist for captain Harry Kane.

Rice's emergence as a premier corner-taker has been a game-changer for England and Arsenal, and his confidence is at an all-time high.

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