England appear ready to place a significant emphasis on set-pieces at the World Cup, with several Arsenal players expected to play a central role in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
The Three Lions arrived in the United States as one of the tournament favourites and have been working extensively on dead-ball situations during training.
Tuchel believes fine margins can decide major tournaments and sees set-pieces as a crucial weapon in England’s pursuit of World Cup glory.
Arsenal’s influence is impossible to ignore.
No club supplied more players to England’s World Cup squad than the Premier League champions, and Tuchel is reportedly keen to borrow elements of the approach that helped Mikel Arteta’s side enjoy such a successful season.
Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years and also reached the Champions League final, with their set-piece threat proving one of the most effective in European football.
Declan Rice is expected to be one of England’s primary set-piece specialists throughout the tournament.
The Arsenal midfielder has developed into one of the most dangerous dead-ball takers in the game and consistently delivered from corners and free-kicks during the club’s title-winning campaign.
Rice’s deliveries are likely to be a major source of chances for England’s aerial threats.
Bukayo Saka is another Arsenal player expected to have an important role despite ongoing efforts to carefully manage his fitness.
The winger remains one of England’s most creative players and his quality from wide areas provides another valuable option from free-kicks and corners.
Tuchel has repeatedly highlighted the importance of having specialist set-piece takers available for different situations.
England’s physical profile also strengthens their threat.
Several of Tuchel’s likely starters possess significant aerial ability, giving the team a range of targets inside the penalty area.
Recent warm-up matches have already offered clues about England’s preparations.
The team have experimented with a variety of corner routines, including near-post movements, crowded penalty-box setups and rehearsed short-corner combinations.
The coaching staff have also worked on adapting to modern interpretations of blocking and screening, which are now more closely monitored by VAR.
As a result, England’s movements from set-pieces appear more subtle while still aiming to create space for key targets.
The influence of Premier League trends is evident throughout the team’s approach.
Tuchel appears determined to maximise every possible advantage and believes set-pieces could prove decisive during the knockout rounds.
That focus places Rice and Saka firmly at the centre of England’s plans.
After playing major roles in Arsenal’s domestic success, both players now have an opportunity to help carry those strengths onto the biggest stage in international football.
If England are to challenge for the trophy, their Arsenal contingent could once again prove decisive when the ball is placed dead.