England’s pundits could not stop talking about one specific part of Declan Rice’s game following the 4-2 win over Croatia.
England leaned on the set-piece threat that helped Arsenal win the Premier League during their World Cup opener, with Declan Rice at the heart of it.
The Arsenal midfielder created the most chances of any player on the pitch, with four from open play and dead-ball situations combined.
Usually an inswinging corner specialist for Arsenal, Rice mixed it up against Croatia, providing the assist for Kane’s second goal from an outswinger before Nico O’Reilly somehow headed wide from a golden chance at the back post from one of his inswingers.
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Moments later, O’Reilly tested Livakovic again from close range, this time getting on the end of another outswinging delivery.
Micah Richards heaps praise on Declan Rice’s delivery during England’s win
Discussing the performance on The Rest Is Football on Netflix, Micah Richards singled out Rice’s quality from dead-ball situations.
“Can we talk about Declan Rice’s delivery, though?” he said. “I don’t know if he practised them, but obviously he’s been amazing for Arsenal all season, but his delivery is just immaculate every single time.”
Alan Shearer agreed, describing the deliveries as “unbelievable”, while Harry Maguire was equally complimentary.
England fans enjoyed them too, though it is quite amusing that most of those same fans spent the season mocking Arsenal’s set-piece prowess.
Declan Rice provides injury update ahead of Ghana clash
Rice was substituted after 72 minutes for Arsenal target Morgan Rogers and looked in some discomfort as he limped off.
Thomas Tuchel later explained the decision was just precautionary, with Rice pointing to his lower back and hamstring.
The Arsenal midfielder is said to have taken injections during the closing stages of last season to help Arsenal complete their Premier League and Champions League pursuits.
Speaking after the game, Rice insisted he was “all good” and expects to be available for England’s next group game against Ghana on Tuesday, who beat Panama 1-0 in the other Group L fixture.
Rice was far from the only Arsenal player to catch the eye.
Noni Madueke produced an impressive first-half performance after starting ahead of Bukayo Saka, winning the penalty that led to England’s opener.
Saka himself made an instant impact off the bench, setting up Rashford for England’s late fourth goal after replacing Madueke.
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