England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Three Lions had their underwhelming moments throughout the game, but scoring four goals against a side like Croatia is definitely something to be proud of.
What’s interesting is that three of those four goals were directly contributed to by Arsenal players.
Declan Rice was one of them, and rival supporters are finally changing their tune about the recently-crowned Premier League champion.
🏆 Which Arsenal star will go the furthest at this summer’s World Cup?
Zubimendi and Spain? Saka and England? Saliba and France?
Rival fans react to Arsenal star Declan Rice’s corners during England vs Croatia
Throughout the season, rival fans have used set-pieces to mock Arsenal and belittle their achievements.
Now, the same supporters are celebrating Rice’s tremendous delivery from a corner for Harry Kane’s second goal against Croatia.
Many of them now finally understand how Gooners felt all season.
One Arsenal fan tweeted: “I get what Arsenal fans were saying about Rice corners now.”
Another wrote: “These corners are a cheat code. I see why Arsenal fans hype them so much.”
“Is this how Arsenal fans feel from set pieces?” asked another.
Another supporter wrote: “What a delivery from Declan Rice. Arsenal fans, I understand it now.”
“Now you understand why Arsenal score so much from corners. Every Rice corner is half a goal,” tweeted another.
Excluding Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, which Arsenal player would you fancy most to score directly from a corner?
Arsenal could help England win the World Cup
Three of England’s four goals against Croatia were courtesy of Arsenal players.
Rice and Bukayo Saka got an assist each, while Noni Madueke won a penalty for Kane to score and give the Three Lions the lead.
Eberechi Eze, on the other hand, didn’t even have to come on.
Add Saka and Rice’s set-pieces, and England could be a real force at the World Cup and could go all the way.
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