World Cup 2026: England’s Declan Rice feels he will get help from all corners.

Declan Rice feels he gets help every time he takes a corner – and says England fans should be “excited” for what’s to come at the World Cup.

England looked dangerous away from home in their 4-2 win over Croatia in their tournament opener.

Harry Kane scored the opener from the penalty spot after Noni Maduke was fouled by Rice’s cross – and the England captain headed home the second from Rice’s corner.

The 27-year-old was part of Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years last season, scoring a record 19 corners.

However, the Gunners have faced criticism for their active style of play and reliance on set-pieces (scoring a total of 25 goals from women’s games).

“Everyone’s having fun now, right?” Rice told BBC Sport on the England station in Kansas City. “Everybody’s enjoying them now.”

Rice became an Arsenal player in January 2024 after a mid-season training camp in Dubai – and the Gunners are now known for their impressive performances in such conditions.

“I was never going to take corners, but (Seti-Pix coach) Nico (Jover) and the Arsenal manager saw something in me that others didn’t,” Rice said.

They said I can make balls in places that no one else in the team can do except Bukayo (Saka). Since then, I believe that.

“As time goes on, every time I put the ball in I feel now – whether it’s a corner or a penalty – I’m going to get an assist or make something dangerous happen.

“It’s a good idea, an overmatch… and England fans can be happy.”

The midfielder is England’s vice-captain in this tournament and has become one of the most consistent corners in the Premier League.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has emphasized that he wants to play football that replicates the style in the Premier League.

Rice says the Three Lions have worked on set-pieces since the German took over in January 2025 – but the tactical aspect of the game has dominated training sessions.

“We only get a little bit of time to work on them because we have to work on other loads,” Rice said.

“But since Thomas came in, we’ve been putting this format and the way we’re going to take set pieces.

“The way we took a lot of moves, the way I passed the ball didn’t change much.

“This has been going on for the last year leading up to it, so the kids know what’s coming… they know where I’m going to get the ball.

“So there’s a proper game plan and I’m the only one who delivers and obviously the guys have to free themselves in the box.”