What Declan Rice did ‘many times’ for England could tempt Mikel Arteta to make tactical change

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Declan Rice got on the scoresheet on international duty, scoring in England’s win over Andorra.

The Arsenal star’s goal was crafted by Reece James, who lofted a superb cross into the box that Rice got on the end of. 

It was a much-needed goal for England, who were stale in their approach and rather boring to watch.

Four Arsenal players were in action, with Rice scoring and Noni Madueke impressing more than most in a match that Mikel Arteta would’ve tuned in to watch.

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans make Bukayo Saka claim after Noni Madueke’s display for England vs Andorra

Declan Rice’s back-post movement was noticed vs Andorra

There was a lot of back and forth from England, a pattern that was broken when James put the ball into the box.

While the Chelsea captain’s delivery was perfect, the goal wouldn’t have happened without Rice’s run towards the back post, a movement that totally deceived Andorra’s defence.

Reporting for BBC Radio 5 Live, pundit Matt Upson applauded the Arsenal midfielder’s run, noting that the 26-year-old had been doing it all afternoon.

“Declan Rice arrives at the back post, right on cue,” Upson said.

“He has made that run many times this afternoon. A looped ball in from Reece James, and it is a simple build-up.”

Playing in the more advanced number eight role, Thomas Tuchel saw what Rice can offer as an additional attacker, with the player’s movement to become available something that Arteta would’ve undoubtedly appreciated. 

Rice could become another threat from Arsenal corners

Rice puts a lot of practice into his corner taking routine, which is why he’s one of Arteta’s most trusted takers of set-play situations.

Bukayo Saka takes corner kicks from the left side, while it’s Rice’s duty to launch them in from the left, but Arteta could be tempted to make a change given the midfielder’s ability to cause chaos in the box. 

Having runners on the back post has worked well for Arsenal already this season; however, against Liverpool, things grew rather stale from corners.

Such could tempt Nicolas Jover to rethink Rice’s role in corners, with the 26-year-old knowing how to time his run for the best outcome.

Seeing how many times Rice made the move in open play while on international duty, Arteta might be open to having his star midfielder maximise Arsenal’s threat in and around the box.

Whether it be from corners or from open play, having Rice in the box heading towards the back post could work wonders for the Gunners, just as it did for England.