Zhipan Sport

Rice feels like he will get an assist at every corner

Jun 21, 09:03 AM

Declan Rice says he feels like he will get an assist 'every time' he takes a corner, and urges England fans to be 'excited' for the World Cup.

Declan Rice has expressed immense confidence in his corner-taking ability, stating that he feels he will provide an assist 'every time' he steps up to take a corner. The Arsenal midfielder, who has taken on corner duties for both club and country, believes his deliveries have become a potent weapon for England. 'I feel like every time I go over to take a corner, I'm going to get an assist. That's the confidence I have in myself and the work we've put in,' Rice said in a recent interview. Rice's corner-kick prowess has been evident in recent matches, where his precise deliveries have led to several goals for England. Whether aiming for the near post, far post, or the center of the box, Rice has shown remarkable consistency and accuracy. His ability to vary the trajectory, pace, and placement of his corners makes him a constant threat from set pieces. The 25-year-old believes that England's squad depth and tactical versatility make them genuine contenders for the World Cup. He highlighted the team's improved set-piece routines as a key factor. 'We've worked incredibly hard on set pieces. The coaching staff have detailed plans, and we've rehearsed them over and over. Now we have real threat from corners and free kicks, which will be crucial in a tournament like the World Cup,' Rice explained. Rice also called on England fans to maintain their belief in the team. 'I know there's always pressure and high expectations, but I'd say to the fans: trust us. This team is getting better and better. We have world-class players, a great coaching staff, and a fantastic team spirit. We'll give everything to make the country proud,' he said. From a tactical perspective, Rice's corner-taking ability adds a new dimension to England's attack. In major tournaments, set pieces often decide tight matches. England have historically scored crucial goals from set pieces, and with Rice delivering corners, they have a reliable source of goals. His ability to pick out teammates in crowded penalty areas makes him a valuable asset. Beyond his set-piece contributions, Rice's role as a defensive midfielder is equally vital. He acts as the team's pivot, breaking up opposition attacks and launching counter-attacks with his passing. His presence provides balance to the midfield, allowing more attacking players to flourish. Looking ahead to the World Cup, Rice emphasized the team's readiness and determination. 'We're not satisfied with past achievements. Every game is a new challenge. We'll take it one step at a time and aim to go as far as possible. I believe if we stay united, we can achieve our goals,' he stated. England face tough opponents in the group stage, but Rice's confidence and the team's overall quality have raised expectations. As Rice put it, England fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.